the lgbtq community news source

a family local local

affair
Martha Wainwright on
her unique family,
music and new show
with brother Rufus.
PAGE 25
news
Gay Games officials
say 2014 event will
stay in Cleveland,
despite controversy.
PAGE 6
news
D.C.’s Reel Affirmations
LGBT film festival
postponed until April
due to money woes.
PAGE 4

washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 32 • august 6, 2010 • Still sharp after 40 years

JUDGE OVERTURNS PROP 8 IN HISTORIC RULING

Activists hail decision
as major victory for
marriage equality
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
In an historic development, a
federal judge in California ruled
Wednesday that the Golden
State’s ban on same-sex mar-
riage is unconstitutional.
The ruling by U.S. District Court
Judge Vaughn Walker in San
Francisco said an amendment to
the state’s constitution banning
same-sex marriage, which voters
approved in a 2008 ballot measure
known as Proposition 8, violates
the U.S. Constitution’s equal pro-
tection and due process clauses.
“Because Proposition 8 is
unconstitutional under both the
Due Process and Equal Protection
Clauses, the court orders entry
of judgment permanently enjoin-
ing its enforcement,” Walker
wrote in his ruling.
The order also prohibits “the
official defendants from applying
or enforcing Proposition 8 and
directing the official defendants
that all persons under their control
or supervision shall not apply or
enforce Proposition 8.” But that
order was stayed for an indetermi-
nate length of time, pending an
expected appeal of the case.
Voter approval of Prop 8 put an
end to same-sex marriages that
began in California in early 2008,
when the state’s highest court
ruled that gays and lesbians could
not be denied the right to marry
under the state constitution.
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
Same-sex marriage oppo-
nents said Wednesday they A crowd at Bravo Bravo Restaurant & Nightclub in D.C. celebrates Wednesday's federal court decision finding
would take immediate steps to Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California, to be unconstitutional. The decision is expected
to be appealed.
Continues on page 14

Gay soldier accused of

viewpoint
Lesbian provocateur Tammy Bruce responds
to her critics on the gay left. Page 16
socialagenda
We talk to Jeff Lewis, who's ready to flip out
again on Bravo’s hit show. Page 31
leaking classified files
Did anger over
‘Don’t Ask’ motivate
Manning to act?
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Reports that a U.S. Army intel-
ligence analyst who’s accused of
leaking classified information is
gay have raised questions about
whether a resentment of “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” could have moti-
vated his alleged crime.
Pfc. Bradley Manning, 22, is
the prime suspect in the investi-
gation of leaked video footage
showing a U.S. Apache helicop-
ter strike in Baghdad that killed
12 civilians, including employees
of a Reuters news agency.
Manning allegedly gave the
footage to WikiLeaks, a whistle-
blowing website devoted to dis-
closing the secrets of govern-
ments and corporations.
In an instant message conver-
sation with a friend, Manning
reportedly said he was responsi-
ble for the leak as well as another
video showing a 2009 Garani air
strike in Afghanistan. He also
reportedly claimed to have
Pfc. Bradley Manning
Continues on page 6
2 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 3
4 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
LOCALNEWS
Reel Affirmations postponed due to money woes
Acclaimed LGBT film
event moved to April
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
An inability to raise the money
needed to hold D.C.’s annual LGBT
film festival this October has
spurred a decision to reschedule
Reel Affirmations for spring 2011,
according to organizers and
sources familiar with the event.
The money problems also
prompted organizers to reassess
the time of year the event should
be held, leading to a permanent
rescheduling of the highly
acclaimed event for late April and
early May in succeeding years.
Larry Guillemette, marketing
and sponsorship manager for One
In Ten, the non-profit group that
has organized Reel Affirmations
each October for the past 19
years, acknowledged that a debt
exceeding $40,000 from last
year’s festival and a diminishing
number of corporate sponsors and
donors made it difficult to pull
together the festival this year.
It had been scheduled to take
place Oct. 14-23 in a number of
prominent city theaters, including
the Harmon Center for the Arts,
the Goethe Institute and the E
Street Cinema downtown, the
Jewish Community Center near
Dupont Circle and the AFI
Theater in Silver Spring.
“As with a lot of non-profit
organizations in our nation’s cap-
Cobalt staffer suffers broken jaw in attackBy LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
Gregory ‘Sean’ Morris, an
employee of the gay bar Cobalt,
suffered a broken jaw during a
mugging last month. The attack is
not being treated as a hate crime.
ital, gay or straight, we are faced
with the same [monetary] chal-
lenges,” Guillemette said.
“What we found ourselves
doing this year was going to var-
ious different organizations that
we were hoping might sponsor
us. And the economy being what
it is, that kind of ability to support
us wasn’t there,” he said.
Guillemete said One In Ten
will screen three LGBT films this
fall, including an award-winning
film the group planned to
announce soon. Beginning in
November, One In Ten will
resume a practice it previously
discontinued: a monthly showing
of an LGBT film in Washington at
different theaters.
The group’s ability to hold the
full festival in October was further
hampered by last year’s resigna-
tion of Margaret Murray, who had
served as One In Ten’s executive
director since 2006, Guillemette
said. He noted that it was
Murray’s job to work on corporate
and organizational sponsorships
and other fundraising efforts for
the 2010 festival beginning in the
latter months of 2009.
“What that did for us on some
levels is put us in a tiny bit of a peri-
od of flux and transition that we
weren’t necessarily prepared for
because that was the time of year
that most festivals are putting
together their proposals for funding
for the following year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the group’s debt
and general shortage of funds
prevented the hiring of someone
lchibbaro@washblade.com
One of two unidentified men
who broke the jaw of an employ-
ee of the D.C. gay bar Cobalt
during a mugging last month
apparently left an insulting mes-
sage on the victim’s Facebook
page using his stolen cell phone.
Gregory “Sean” Morris, 32, said
two men attacked and robbed him
at 5 a.m. Sunday, July 25, at the
intersection of Georgia Avenue
and Lamont Street, N.W., as he
was on his way home from work.
Morris said one of the attackers
appeared to have accessed his
Facebook page a few days after
the mugging through the use of his
cell phone, which was stolen dur-
ing the attack. According to Morris,
the person published a message
written as if it came from Morris.
“I wanted to bust a nut but I can’t
to replace Murray, who left to
take a new job, he said.
At the time of Murray’s departure
in November, Guillemette said, One
In Ten had become nearly an all-
volunteer organization, returning to
its “roots” before its first executive
director was hired in 2000.
Joe Bilancio, One In Ten’s pro-
grams manager and the person in
charge of obtaining the films, is
being compensated as a consultant,
Guillemette said. Guillemette is serv-
ing as a volunteer and called his
work on the festival “a labor of love.”
According to Guillemette, the
funding problems were just one of
several issues that prompted the
One In Ten board to move the
annual festival to the spring. He
said other factors included com-
peting LGBT events in October,
such as the Human Rights
Campaign’s annual national din-
ner and the Miss Adams Morgan
drag pageant, a large event that
attracts participants who might
otherwise attend the film festival.
Guillemette said the problems
associated with holding the festival
this October led to long discus-
sions on something the event’s
organizers have contemplated for
a number of years: the advantages
of holding a film festival in the early
months of the year.
Among other things, top-quality
LGBT-related films made by inde-
pendent filmmakers are usually
released in the early part of the
year and shown at other film festi-
vals in the winter and spring, said
Guillemette and Bilancio. The two
because my jaw hurts so bad,” he
quoted the message as saying.
Police have listed the attack as
robbery by force and violence. There
was no immediate evidence of a
hate crime, Morris said, because the
attackers did not say anything to him
as they robbed and assaulted him.
Morris noted that he was
wearing a Cobalt shirt when he
was attacked, but didn’t know if
the attackers recognized the
name as that of a gay bar.
The incident took place near
where Morris exited a Metro bus
and was walking to catch a sec-
ond bus to take him closer to his
home in Northwest D.C.
He said he recalls being
knocked unconscious and waking
up as one of the attackers dragged
him from the sidewalk down a stair-
well leading to the basement
entrance of a house or building. He
noted that one of the attackers
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
Larry Guillemette of One In
Ten, the non-profit group that
organizes Reel Affirmations,
said fundraising challenges
forced the event to be resched-
uled to April 2011.
noted that by the time One In Ten’s
Reel Affirmations festival is held in
the fall, some of the patrons of Reel
Affirmations have already seen
these films at other festivals.
In recent years, a number of films
shown at Reel Affirmations and
other LGBT film festivals also have
been shown first on gay cable televi-
sion networks, with others some-
times available through Netflix, said
Guillemette and Bilancio.
“It’s significantly different than
what it was when we started the
festival in the early 1990s, when
access to independent gay film was
not that easy,” Guillemette said.
“And we could count on a sold-out
festival because there weren’t
punched him in the jaw as the other
removed a backpack from his back.
“I realized immediately that they
had broken it,” Morris said of his
jaw. “They didn’t say a word to me.”
The only words spoken were
when one assailant instructed the
other to “hit me” when they realized
he had regained consciousness,
Morris told the Blade in a phone
interview. He eventually managed
to flag down a police car and was
quickly taken to Howard University
Hospital, where he underwent
emergency surgery to repair his
jaw, which is now wired shut and
will remain that way for eight weeks.
Morris, who works at Cobalt as
a light technician and an independ-
ent events promoter, does not have
medical insurance. Cobalt employ-
ees and friends have contributed to
a fund to help him pay his doctor
and hospital bills. He has also
applied for compensation from the
options like Neflix and Logo and
Here TV and other things.”
Although moving the festival to
the spring won’t counter the compet-
ing venues for gay film, Bilancio said
holding Reel Affirmation in the early
part of the year will at least ensure
that it’s the first opportunity for most
D.C. festival goers to see the films.
One source familiar with last
year’s Reel Affirmations festival,
who spoke with the Blade on
condition of anonymity, said the
One In Ten debt stemmed from a
drop in revenue compared to
previous festivals. Ticket sales
were down as was advertising in
the festival’s lengthy program
booklet, the source said.
Instead of generating seed
money for the 2010 festival, which
was slated to celebrate Reel
Affirmations’ 20th anniversary, the
revenue shortfall resulted in debts
to various vendors, including the
graphic artist who helped produce
the program booklet. At least
$20,000 to $25,000 was needed to
produce the booklet for this year, a
sum the group apparently did not
have, the source said.
Organizers were hopeful that a
special town hall meeting that
One In Ten held in April at the
Human Rights Campaign head-
quarters would persuade people
to make the donations that were
needed to keep the event on track
for October. But less than $5,000
was raised as a result of the town
meeting, the source said, an
amount far less than was needed
to stage the festival in October,
city’s victim assistance program,
which provides some financial aid
to victims of crime.
After taking his backpack, wallet,
watch, and a small amount of cash,
the two men left him in the stairwell
and began to walk away, Morris
said. As he struggled out of the stair-
well and reached for his phone to
call for help, Morris noticed the two
attackers were watching him.
“I reached to see if they had
taken my phone out of my pock-
et and they hadn’t,” Morris said.
“They realized they hadn’t and
they turned around and they
came back to rob me again. They
took my phone out of my pocket.”
The man who assaulted him
in the stairwell then “hit me
again,” he said.
Morris is hoping police will be
able to track the suspects through
cell phone records and any use of
his stolen credit cards.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 5

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6 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010

NEWS

Gay soldier being held as investigation continues

Continued from page 1
260,000 classified U.S. diplomatic
cables that would reveal the inner
workings of U.S. embassies.
“Hillary Clinton, and several
thousand diplomats around the
world are going to have a heart
attack when they wake up one
morning, and find an entire
repository of classified foreign
policy is available, in searchable
format, to the public,” Manning
said in the conversation, accord-
ing to Wired.com.
Additionally, Manning is a person
of interest in an investigation seek-
ing to determine the source of thou-
sands of secret documents leaked
related to the Afghanistan war. But
as of earlier this week, Manning
reportedly hadn’t been formally
named as a suspect in the matter.
The charges against Manning
are serious. Lt. Col. Rene White,
a Pentagon spokesperson, said
Manning is under investigation
“for allegedly improperly down-
loading, storing and disclosing to
unauthorized third parties classi-
fied or sensitive [U.S. govern-
ment] documents or media.”
White said Manning is being
held in the brig at the U.S. Marine
Corps base in Quantico, Va.
“Manning will remain in pre-
trial confinement as the Army
continues its investigation,” White
said. “We don’t know if Pfc.
Manning is the source of the
recently leaked documents. We the sinking feeling that he does-
are assessing them now to n’t have anything left.”
determine the potential damage The publicly viewable portion of
to lives, sources and methods his Facebook profile this week list-
and national security.” ed the Washington Blade as
Courtney Whittmann, a among his favorite pages as well as
spokesperson for U.S. Army several other LGBT-related pages,
Military District of Washington, including the Human Rights
said Manning could face up to 52 Campaign, gay Rep. Barney Frank
years in prison and a dishonor- (D-Mass.) and “REPEAL THE BAN
able discharge as well as forfei- — End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’”
ture of all pay and allowances. After Window Media closed the
She said the court of his appear- Blade late last year, Manning donat-
ance is yet to be determined. ed $120 to a “Save the Blade” initia-
As this investigation is under- tive that helped re-launch the paper,
way, a report from British media according to Blade records.
describing Manning as gay is rais- Manning has also been seen
ing questions about whether dis- in gay venues in D.C. and was
content with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” present at the National Stonewall
contributed to his alleged decision Democrats’ Capital Champions
to leak the classified material. event in 2009.
The Daily Telegraph reported Jon Hoadley, a gay activist
that Manning is openly gay and and former Stonewall Democrats
had several postings on his president, is among those who
Facebook page that he was know Manning. Still, Hoadley
unhappy with the military and was said he said he didn’t know
going through relationship trou- Manning well and hasn’t seen
bles with a same-sex partner. him in more than a year.
At the beginning of May, “Other [than] through some
Manning reportedly wrote he was Stonewall events and stuff like
“livid” after being “lectured by ex- that — and through a few friends
boyfriend,” then later posted that he — I didn’t know him really well,”
was “not a piece of equipment” and Hoadley said.
was “beyond frustrated with people Whittmann, the Army military
and society at large.” district of Washington spokesper-
In the same month, when he son, said she didn’t immediately
was serving at a U.S. military know whether “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
base near Baghdad, Manning was a factor in the investigation of
reportedly changed his status to: Manning, but said she would look to
“Bradley Manning is now left with find more information on the matter.
The co-director of OutServe,
an organization for LGBT active
duty service members, said he
was skeptical that “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” played a role in
Manning’s alleged decision to
leak classified information.
OutServe’s co-director, who’s
adopted the alias J.D. Smith to
avoid being outed under “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell,” said he didn’t think
Manning’s discontent with the law
led him to his alleged decision to
leak classified information.
“From what I’ve being reading
on this situation, he had a lot of
issues that he was dealing with
— not just about his homosexu-
ality,” said Smith, who noted
OutServe has had no contact
with Manning. “We don’t know all
the factors. All the details haven’t
come out to the public yet.”
The Family Research Council
has seized on reports that Manning
is gay to drum up opposition to
repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
In an e-mail blast, Tony Perkins,
president of FRC, called Manning
an “extreme homosexual activist”
and said his “fury over the services’
homosexual policy may have led
him to publicize highly classified
documents about the wars.”
“Unfortunately for all of us,
Manning’s betrayal painfully con-
firms what groups like FRC have
argued all along: the instability of the
homosexual lifestyle is a detriment
to military readiness,” Perkins wrote.
John Aravosis, a gay D.C.-
based blogger, responded to the
FRC mailing on his website,
Americablog.com, calling it evi-
dence of the continued lies and
distortion that FRC puts forth on
LGBT issues.
“FRC cites the Telegraph, and
claims that the Telegraph says
Manning has an ‘extensive history’
of campaigning for gay rights,”
Aravosis wrote. “In fact, the
Telegraph article mentions that
Manning once showed up at a sin-
gle gay rights rally — that’s it. How
is that an ‘extensive’ history as an
‘extreme’ gay activist? It’s not.”
Aravosis also disputed the
notion that evidence exists show-
ing that anger over “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” led Manning to leak
classified information.
“Finally, there’s nothing, any-
where, to suggest that Manning
had any ‘fury’ over [‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’], or that, even if he did,
such fury led him to leak the doc-
uments,” Aravosis said. “Where
did FRC come up with it?”
Smith said FRC’s decision to try
to solicit funds over the charges
against Manning is “pretty awful.”
“There are plenty of instances
where straight soldiers have
done things as well,” Smith said.
“And I don’t think they should
[be] playing this as homosexual
treason at all. I think that we
need to be very careful in how
this is portrayed.”

Gay Games ousts organizer, but event stays in Cleveland

Some say decision
violates rules, event
should move to D.C.
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
The international LGBT sports
organization that picked Cleveland
over D.C. to host the 2014 Gay
Games announced Tuesday that it
has revoked its contract with the
Cleveland foundation it chose to
organize the games.
And in an action questioned by
D.C. sports groups, the Federation
of Gay Games also said it “remains
committed” to keeping the quadren-
nial event in Cleveland, even
though some people believe its
rules call for awarding the games to
the organization and city whose bid
it selected as the runner up.
The FGG selected the
Metropolitan Washington Gaymes,
Inc., a coalition of D.C.-area LGBT
sports groups, as the runner up for
the games last year, when it
announced it had picked the
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
as the host for the 2014 event in
Cleveland.
“As the runner up city, we
expressed our hope that they would
follow what we’ve interpreted as the
accepted procedure, which is if the
contract could not be executed [in
Cleveland] they would go to the run-
ner up,” said Brent Minor, president
of Team D.C., one of the LGBT
sports organizations that’s part of
Metropolitan Washington Gaymes.
“So this is news to us,” Minor
said. “It’s very disappointing.”
Minor and Vince Micone, presi-
dent of Metropolitan Washington
Gaymes, said the Gaymes group
would consider whether to question
the decision and possibly seek to
reverse it when the FGG General
Assembly meets in Cologne,
Germany later this month.
The General Assembly is the
organization’s full governing body
and can overrule action by the FGG
board, which is believed to have
made the decision to stick with
Cleveland for the 2014 Gay Games.
The General Assembly meeting
is set to take place after the 2010
Gay Games, now being held in
Cologne, concludes Aug. 7.
But Kelly Stevens, a member of
the FGG board and spokesperson
for the organization, issued a state-
ment from Cologne disputing Minor
and Micone’s interpretation of the
rules related to runner up status.
“The site selection rules were set
up to provide a process in case an
original license agreement with a
host city could not be reached,” he
told the Blade. “They are not written
to award the games to another city in
case of change of management
once planning has begun. The FGG
will honor the vote for Cleveland as
the host of the 2014 Gay Games.
“Naturally, the FGG will discuss
the situation at its annual meeting,”
he said. “We will not be issuing any
further comments. Our time [now]
is devoted to Cologne.”
In announcing its decision to
oust the Cleveland Synergy
Foundation as the Gay Games
organizing entity, the FGG
reversed an announcement one
week earlier saying it would not
disclose its decision on the
Synergy Foundation until after
the General Assembly meeting.
The decision to revoke Synergy’s
license didn’t come as a surprise to
Gay Games observers, who have
read reports coming from Cleveland
about the FGG’s and Cleveland city
officials’ dissatisfaction with the foun-
dation. Some press reports have
noted Synergy faced problems relat-
ed to financial “irregularities.”
An official with Cleveland’s Office
of Economic Development, which
was overseeing Cleveland’s pledge
of $700,000 in financial support for
the Gay Games, said in a letter
leaked to the media that Synergy
had failed to meet deadlines for sub-
mitting required reports to the city.
“The Federation of Gay Games
ended its relationship with
Cleveland Synergy Foundation,
effective 6 July 2010,” said the FCC
in its Aug. 3 statement. “The FGG
remains committed to the host city
of Cleveland, and the State of Ohio
to host Gay Games IX in 2014.
“Cleveland city officials and a
delegation of regional organiza-
tions and supporters will accept
the flag of the Federation of Gay
Games in Cologne, Germany on
7 August 2010 at the closing cer-
emony from the city officials of
Cologne, Germany.”
It adds, “The FGG, cooperating
with its Cleveland partners, contin-
ues to work hard to ensure that
planning for the 2014 Gay Games
progresses at a satisfactory pace.”
Cleveland city officials said they
were scrambling to put together a new
entity to organize and operate the
games. Many of the officials involved
with Synergy Foundation’s initial plans
for the games were in Cologne this
week attending this year’s Gay
Games and taking steps to officially
launch plans for the 2014 games.
D.C. activists following the
developments said it was
unprecedented for the FGG to
agree to hold the games in a city
without first approving a detailed
bid by an organization.
Story continues at
washingtonblade.com.
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 7
8 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
NATIONALNEWS
N.J. officer kills exec
in park sex sting
Police suspend undercover
operation following
‘tragic’ shooting
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
The sheriff in Essex County, N.J. has
suspended a controversial undercover
operation aimed at cracking down on
alleged public sex by gay men in a Newark
park after an undercover officer last month
shot a 48-year-old businessman to death.
Sheriff Armando Fontoura halted the
operation following strong objections
raised by two New Jersey LGBT organi-
zations, which demanded an independent
investigation into the incident.
“On behalf of our two organizations,
Garden State Equality and the Gender
Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey,
we express our outrage over the tragic killing
of Defarra Gaymon in Branch Brook Park …
by a member of the Essex County Sherriff’s
Department,” said Steven Goldstein, head of
Garden State Equality, and Barbra Casbar
Siperstein, head of Gender Rights Advocacy
Association of New Jersey.
Sheriff’s officials, who have declined to
disclose the identity of the officer
involved, said the officer explained that he
shot Gaymon on July 16 after the Atlanta
resident “lunged” at the officer. A state-
ment says the incident began when the
officer saw Gaymon masturbating and he
propositioned the officer for sex.
Media reports have independently
identified the officer in question as
Edward Espisito, 29. He was recently
awarded a medal of merit for assisting in
the arrest of two suspects charged with
shooting a fellow off-duty sheriff’s officer,
according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
The shooting death of Gaymon occurred
in a part of the Newark park that’s recog-
nized as a pickup spot for men seeking
other men for sex, authorities said.
Gaymon, who was unarmed, allegedly
lunged at the officer and tried to disarm
the officer while threatening to kill the offi-
cer, according to Essex County Acting
Prosecutor Robert Laurino.
At a news conference, Laurino said
Gaymon apparently panicked after the officer
DNC chair tackles LGBT questions in video
Democratic National Committee chair
Tim Kaine answered questions on LGBT
issues in a video published online Tuesday.
In the video, Kaine responds to what
he said were more than 5,000 messages
from LGBT people sent to the DNC
as part of the Your Voice Matters initiative.
“We have a long way to go, but we’re
already making progress for LGBT individu-
als,” he said. “President Obama and con-
gressional Democrats have already begun
identified himself and displayed his badge.
Gaymon was married and had four children.
Originally from Montclair, N.J., he was visiting
the state to help organize a class reunion at
Montclair High School, authorities said.
The Star-Ledger reported that members
of Gaymon’s family in Atlanta, where he
worked as chief executive officer of a credit
union, have accused the officer of fabricating
the story. Family members say Gaymon was
a peaceful person who never would commit a
violent act, the newspaper reported.
Family members have called on the
FBI to investigate the incident, saying
they don’t believe local law enforcement
agencies can conduct an impartial inves-
tigation into the matter.
Fontoura and sheriff’s officials have agreed
to a request from the two LGBT groups to
meet with officials of the groups to discuss
ways to address alleged public sex in the park.
Goldstein and Siperstein said in a letter
to law enforcement officials that targeting
gay men in the crackdown could be a vio-
lation of state non-discrimination laws.
“We believe any operation targeting peo-
ple based on their actual or perceived sexual
orientation would be a violation of state law,”
Goldstein and Siperstein say in their July 21
letter to the sheriff and county prosecutor.
“In no way do we condone any viola-
tion of lewdness statutes,” says the letter.
“But any sting operation targeting gay
men or LGBT people specifically, or any-
one perceived as such, is unconscionable
— and as we strongly believe, illegal.”
The two noted that they “make no
assumption as to the sexual orientation of
the victim. Our thoughts and prayers are
with his wife and four children.”
In other places, including D.C., activists
have called on police and other law
enforcement authorities to use uniformed
officers to enforce laws against public sex
rather than use undercover officers who
pose as men interested in gay sex.
In the D.C. area, law enforcement offi-
cials have also said they recognize that
gay men and others have a legal right to
meet each other in parks or other loca-
tions as long as the men don’t violate the
law by having sex in public.
Last week, Fontoura told the Star-
Ledger he’s deployed uniformed officers
to the park while the undercover opera-
tion is suspended and under review.
to address barriers to equality for LGBT
Americans by guaranteeing these families
the right to visit and make medical decisions
for a partner in America’s hospitals, by
enacting hate crimes legislation to protect
LGBT Americans — to name just two signif-
icant accomplishments.”
Kaine noted that Democrats are “going
to do everything” in their power to pass
the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
in Congress.
Senate candidate in N.H.
calls for DOMA repeal
WASHINGTON — A New Hampshire Democrat in a competitive race for a U.S.
Senate seat is forcefully calling on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), who’s running to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Judd
Gregg (R-N.H.), spoke out against
DOMA during a July 30 dinner
speech at the National Stonewall
Democrats biennial convention.
“We have to end D-O-M-A!” he
shouted. “Time to put it away!”
Hodes has been in favor of repeal-
ing DOMA for some time. He’s a co-
sponsor of the Respect for Marriage
Act, a U.S. House bill that would
overturn DOMA.
Should he win in November,
Hodes would be among a handful of
U.S. senators who support marriage
rights for same-sex couples. But he
Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key
could face an uphill battle in his pur-
suit of the Senate seat. The LGBT U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, a New Hampshire
support he solicited during the con- Democrat running to succeed a retiring U.S.
vention speech may be necessary senator, is reiterating his call to repeal the
for him to remain competitive. Defense of Marriage Act.
Hodes would face one of several
Republican candidates seeking the GOP nomination in the race. Two of these
Republican candidates — former New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte
and businessman Bill Bennie — are polling several digits higher than Hodes.
Sen. Ensign has ‘concern’ over ‘Don’t Ask’ repeal
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) last week expressed unease
about language in pending defense budget legislation that would lead to “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, noting he would consider supporting efforts to stop the
Senate from passing the provision.
In a brief exchange on Capitol Hill, Ensign told the Blade he shared the views of the
military service chiefs, who, prior to earlier congressional action this year on repealing
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” wrote to lawmakers to express concern about the action.
“The problem is you can’t go out and say to the military chiefs, ‘We’re going to
survey you and see what you all think,’ and then you pass the bill to repeal it,”
Ensign said. “So the study should come first and then you can talk about the
repeal or not of [‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’]. So, yes, it is a concern simply because
the study’s not done.”
In May, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment mak-
ing repeal language part of the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill and
reported the legislation to the chamber floor. The full Senate is expected to take
up the measure in September.
Asked whether he would support a substitute amendment or a motion to strike
with respect to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” language, Ensign replied, “We’ll see.”
“First of all, we’re not going to do the bill right now,” he said. “We’ll see whether
we do it before we leave in October or after we leave.”
Ensign also said he wouldn’t rule out supporting a filibuster of the defense leg-
islation as a whole when the legislation comes to the floor.
OutServe gives LGBT troops new voice
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A new organization opposed to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
launched last week to give a new voice to LGBT service members in the U.S. military.
The group, OutServe, was formerly known as Citizens for Repeal and is crediting
itself with being the first organization for active duty gay, lesbian and bisexual troops
that is speaking openly with Pentagon officials as well as public audiences.
OutServe’s co-director, a military officer who’s adopted the alias of J.D. Smith to
avoid being outed under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” said his group is focused on giving
support to active duty gay and lesbian service members through social networks.
“For example, we had someone move from Virginia to Colorado recently,” Smith
said. “Through the network, we were able to get them in touch with new people
and new friends in Colorado.”
Smith said plans for the future include helping LGBT troops find counseling
services and becoming “a professional group of LGBT military members.”
The group started in October 2009 as an underground network with a
Facebook page. According to a statement from the organization, OutServe now
has about 450 members, including around two dozen service members deployed
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 9
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10 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
NATIONALNEWS
Push for LGBT bills continues during recess
Activities planned in
local districts while
Congress takes break
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Advocacy groups are planning
to take advantage of this month’s
congressional recess by stepping
up efforts with district offices to build
support for pro-LGBT initiatives
while lawmakers are at home.
One joint effort between the
Human Rights Campaign and
Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network, for example, is geared
toward influencing senators to sup-
port repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” when the issue comes before
the Senate, possibly in September.
As part of this same effort, HRC
is also working on building support
for bringing the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act to a House vote.
Meanwhile, grassroots LGBT
group GetEqual is considering ways
to expand its direct action work out-
side the Capital Beltway to reach
lawmakers in their home districts.
HRC and SLDN last week
announced their effort, called
Countdown 2010, which aims to
mobilize new grassroots efforts to
build support in part toward ending
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the Senate.
Marty Rouse, HRC’s national
field director, said the effort con-
sists of engagement from the
organization’s field team as well
as encouraging HRC members
to reach out to key lawmakers.
“We can’t just talk to our legisla-
tors and members of Congress
inside the Beltway,” Rouse said.
“We have to talk to them in the dis-
trict so that they see that there’s
interest and concern back home.”
Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN’s execu-
tive director, said the effort will last
until lawmakers return from their
August recess and vote on the fis-
cal year 2011 defense authoriza-
tion bill, the legislative vehicle to
which the Senate Armed Services
Committee in May attached a pro-
vision that would lead to “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal.
“We’ll be down in the targeted
states with veterans, former clients of
SLDN, friends and family of veterans
— hopefully to visit with senators and
their key staffers to urge senators to
support, one, the [Defense
Department] bill and, secondly, to
support the provisions in the bill as it
came out of the Senate Armed
Services Committee,” Sarvis said.
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” por-
tion of the Countdown 2010 effort
is focused on influencing senators
in 10 states — Arkansas, Indiana,
Following recent protests at the U.S. Capitol and elsewhere, members of GetEqual are planning ‘in-district
actions’ later this month while Congress is in recess.
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio,
South Dakota and Virginia —
where HRC and SLDN feel they
don’t have a firm commitment from
senators on the issue.
Rouse said the senators in the
states on which HRC is focusing its
efforts are Blanche Lincoln (D-
Ark.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Richard
Lugar (R-Ind.), Jon Tester (D-
Mont.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.),
Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), John
Ensign (R-Nev.), Judd Gregg (R-
N.H.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Kent
Conrad (D-N.D.), George Voinovich
(R-Ohio), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
Although Rouse said HRC’s field
team is engaged in nearly all of these
states throughout the country as part
of this effort, he added efforts aren’t
yet underway in Montana because of
priority and efficiency reasons.
“Montana is a big state, and it’s
hard to cover and hard to get to,”
Rouse said. “There’s no one in
Montana right now, but there will be.”
One of the senators on the list
has already publicly indicated his
position on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
in the defense authorization bill.
Last month, Lugar told the Blade
he wouldn’t support removing the
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” language
from legislation and is unlikely to
support a filibuster of the main bill.
Sarvis said SLDN feels Indiana
should nonetheless be among the
states on which efforts are focused.
“With Sen. Lugar, the commit-
ment is not as firm and unequivo-
cal as we would like, so we hope to
engage him back home,” Sarvis
said. “But, yes, we are somewhat
encouraged by what Sen. Lugar
has said to date. But, again, it’s not
done until all the votes are cast.”
Also as part of Countdown 2010,
HRC is working to influence sena-
tors in the targeted states on ENDA
while engaging House members in
North Carolina, Pennsylvania and
Texas to build support for the bill.
Rouse said urging senators to sup-
port ENDA in these three additional
states is less of a priority.
“We really focused on the House
and we need to do significant [work]
in House districts throughout the
country before we even can think of
the Senate,” Rouse said. “Our focus
right now in the field is making sure
that we target these House mem-
bers. That’s most important.”
Paul Guequierre, an HRC
spokesperson, said the efforts in
North Carolina, Pennsylvania
and Texas are geared toward
influencing House Democratic
members in these states that
aren’t ENDA co-sponsors.
Five of eight House Democrats
from North Carolina, five of 12 House
Democrats from Pennsylvania and
five of 12 House Democrats from Texas
aren’t co-sponsors, Guequierre said.
Sarvis said the shared work
between HRC and SLDN in this
effort would complement the
strength of each organization. He
noted that HRC has more field
organizers and thus would provide
more field workers to the effort
while SLDN would bring more
service members and veterans.
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
“Whether it’s working with field
organizers in place or SLDN vet-
erans, clients, it’ll be a matter of
sharing resources and bringing
that [all] together over the next six
to eight weeks in the most efficient
way possible,” Sarvis said.
Rouse said HRC would look
at local media to determine
whether efforts in these states
are making progress and noted
that efforts in many states have
already produced results.
“We’ve already seen letters to
the editor printed, op-eds printed
and meetings with the Senate
staff have already taken place,” he
said. “None of this would have
happened were it not for HRC’s
staff being on the ground, mobiliz-
ing and reaching out to people.”
But for SLDN, evaluating the
progress of Countdown 2010
would depend on the results of
the meetings with senators and
their staffers in these states.
“But the bottom line is you won’t
know until the votes have been cast,”
Sarvis said. “In some cases, we may
get affirmative answers over the next
several weeks, but I suspect that in
many cases, we won’t get a defini-
tive answer until the senators’ votes.”
GetEqual plans
district actions
Meanwhile, GetEqual is planning
efforts to draw more attention to
ENDA as lawmakers return from
break. The efforts are intended to
build off previous protests last month
in Las Vegas and at the U.S. Capitol.
Robin McGehee, co-founder of
GetEqual, said her group has been
talking with local organizers about
working collaboratively on direct
action throughout the country on
ENDA and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“We’re trying to work to set up
some in-district actions,” she said. “At
this moment, we don’t have any tar-
gets that we’ll release only because
we’re trying to figure out where is the
weakest link and what we feel like is
going to be strategically the best one
to plan most of our attention.”
McGehee said GetEqual will
be sending out instructions on
ways people can engage in the
political process as lawmakers
work in their home district.
“It may be some people plan-
ning actions; it may be just giving
them avenues of engagement
that can just get them to engage
their legislator around ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’ or ENDA,” she said.
McGehee said GetEqual is
looking at lawmakers’ speaking
engagements, town halls, fundrais-
ers and office times as possible
opportunities for action.
Wherever the actions take
place, McGehee said GetEqual is
in part learning from the tactics
that conservative protesters used
in interrupting town hall meetings
last year over health care reform.
“Obviously, you don’t want to
be compared to someone who
has a conservative platform,” she
said. “But, in my opinion, one of
the things that we did learn from
watching that was the squeaky
wheel was getting the grease.”
In the past month, GetEqual asked
supporters which of four lawmakers
should be targeted for direct action
over ENDA: U.S. House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.),
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) or Rep.
George Miller (D-Calif.).
According to GetEqual, Pelosi
won 46.5 percent of the vote, Reid
won 18.5 percent, Miller took 17.6
percent and Frank took 17.4 percent.
The organization declined to make
public the total number of votes.
McGehee said the first and second
place rankings of Pelosi and Reid
were behind a protest last month in
Las Vegas, which was directed against
Reid, and another protest in the U.S.
Capitol, which targeted Pelosi.
But whether GetEqual continues
to target Pelosi and Reid during their
August break remains to be seen.
“I don’t know for sure that we’ll go
back to those targets,” McGehee
said. “Honestly, for us, it’s just look-
ing at where you have local organiz-
ers that also want to be involved,
and finding out from the advocacy
groups that really have the inside
strategy where do they feel like the
hold up is actually happening.”
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 11

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12 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
NATIONALNEWS
Democrats find 2010 a tougher sell than 2008
LGBT bloggers wage
‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Give’
campaign
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Asking gay Americans to
reignite their enthusiasm for the
Democratic Party at the same
time critics are assailing the party
for its handling of federal LGBT
legislation is no small challenge.
But that’s exactly what Democratic
National Committee Executive
Director Jennifer O’Malley Dillon
did last week while speaking at
the National Stonewall Democrats
biennial convention in D.C.
With three months remaining
before the midterm elections,
Dillon acknowledged that “an
enthusiasm gap” exists between
how Democratic voters feel this
year compared to 2008. And she
said that gap must close.
“We are going to hold the
House and the Senate,” she said.
“I’m very confident about that.
But to do that, it’s just going to be
incredibly hard. History is against
us in this election.”
Also against Dillon’s efforts to
rally LGBT voters are increasingly
intense criticisms that President
Obama and congressional leaders
aren’t doing enough to enact
promised changes, such as
repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
and passing the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act.
Dillon recognized that the
“pace of change isn’t always fast
enough” for LGBT people, but
said the DNC is creating new and
more substantive ways to engage
potential donors and volunteers.
“We want to make sure that
the programs we’re building on
moving forward aren’t just pro-
grams that we’re sitting in D.C.
saying, ‘Oh, I think it would be
great if we had ruffly stickers with
rainbows on them,’ but that we
are really building out a substan-
tive program,” she said.
Dillon also said the DNC is
developing communications —
including material for the DNC web-
site as part of the Your Voice
Matters effort — to demonstrate in
a clearer way the Obama adminis-
tration’s broader accomplishments.
But discontent among many
LGBT voters persists. And a con-
tinuing effort LGBT bloggers
launched last year, called “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Give,” urges LGBT
people to withhold donations
from the Democratic Party until
more pro-LGBT bills are passed.
Leading the DNC boycott is John
Democratic National Committee Executive Director Jennifer O’Malley Dillon acknowledged that for LGBT vot-
ers, the ‘pace of change isn’t always fast enough.’
Aravosis, editor of Americablog.com,
who’s asking readers to sign a
pledge saying they will only con-
tribute money to the Democratic
Party after President Obama signs
ENDA into law, and signs repeals of
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the
Defense of Marriage Act.
Aravosis said at the start of this
year that he didn’t feel inclined to
whip the effort because signs had
emerged that Congress would
pass “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal
and ENDA. The situation changed,
though, as the year progressed.
“ENDA is now nowhere to be
seen and no one thinks it’s pass-
ing both houses by the election
— even though we were prom-
ised,” he said. “On ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell,’ the legislation being
discussed isn’t full repeal. It isn’t
the repeal at all, even though it’s
being sold that way. It’s not even
clear if the legislation is going to
pass anyway at this point.”
Aravosis dismissed the notion
that outreach from the Democratic
National Committee could be any
substitute for the advancement of
these issues.
“It’s a very 1990s strategy from
the DNC,” he said. “They think
showing face to the gay communi-
ty — simply showing up at our
events is going to buy our voters
and buy our money because we
should be so honored that they
would deign to visit us.”
Aravosis estimated about 10,000
readers of Americablog.com have
pledged to withhold donations to the
Democratic Party as part of the
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Give” initiative.
“‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Give’ was, I
think, part of a larger effort of the
gay Netroots and, I would say,
the community in general show-
ing their ire at the Democrats,”
Aravosis said. “I think it did
change things for a while, but I
think now the Democrats have
backed off yet again.”
Dillon told the Blade that she
hopes the DNC’s engagement
with LGBT people will convince
those who haven’t been satisfied
to maintain their support.
“Of course, we’d like to see
everyone feel like they can con-
tribute to the party and feel good
about that,” she said. “We obviously
hope that people see us as a party
that’s growing and building our
commitment and our connection to
the LGBT community, and that this
is a place where people feel like
their money will be well spent.”
‘We’re going to have
disappointments’
Despite some disappoint-
ment, many LGBT Democrats
who attended the Stonewall con-
vention said they remain commit-
ted to the Democratic Party.
Rick Stafford, a veteran gay
activist from Minnesota and chair
of the Democratic Party’s LGBT
caucus, said the Democratic
Party is worth supporting
because of the dramatic strides
it’s taken in support of LGBT
rights during the last decades.
“I can remember not more than
25 years ago, the Democratic Party
and their leadership officials basical-
ly said to the LGBT community, ‘Go
away,’” Stafford said. “We were held
up as the poster child for the special
interests. And in 25 years, if you told
me back then that the issue that we
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
would be fighting on disappointment
was marriage equality, I would have
told you [that] you were nuts.”
Stafford said LGBT critics of
the Democratic Party should take
care with the tone of their discus-
sion because disagreement and
discontent among Democrats led
to the Republican takeover of
Congress in 1994.
“We’re going to have disappoint-
ments, and not all Democratic elect-
ed officials are going to be support-
ive,” Stafford said. “But I think the
leadership of Obama, Pelosi and
even Harry Reid will be light years
[ahead of] seeing Sarah Palin, Mitch
McConnell or John Boehner setting
the agenda for our country.”
Jerame Davis, who’s gay and co-
owner of the Indiana-based LGBT
website Bilerico Project, also
expressed discontent about the
amount of progress the party has
made recently on LGBT issues.
“The one thing that has con-
cerned me has been President
Obama said he was going to be a
‘fierce advocate’ for our issues, and
I’ve had trouble seeing where the
advocacy was coming along, let
alone the fierceness,” Davis said.
Still, Davis said the alternative
to Democrats running the legisla-
tive branch of the federal govern-
ment would be “far, far worse.”
“The idea of turning either of those
[chambers] over to the Republicans
scares me far worse than trying to
continue to push our friends to be
more supportive and to advocate
harder for our issues,” Davis said.
Also urging continued support
for Democrats was Rep. Jared
Polis (D-Colo.), a gay lawmaker
who spoke at the convention. He
told the Blade that people who
were in doubt over supporting the
Democratic Party should look
closely at Democratic candidates
and their Republican opponents.
“The Democratic Party is the
only party that stands for equali-
ty,” he said. “I think it’s important
that voters weigh where both
candidates are on issues like
marriage equality, ENDA — and
99 times out of 100, you’ll come
out in favor of the Democrat.”
Polis has been active in raising
funds not only for his own his re-
election, but for other Democratic
candidates. He’s set up two joint
fundraising committees — the
Jared Polis Majority Fund and the
Jared Polis Victory Fund — that
have raised substantial funds for
Democrats seeking election.
The Jared Polis Majority Fund
has raised $26,000 over the course
of this Congress, while the Jared
Polis Victory Fund has raised
$150,000, according to Federal
Election Commission reports.
Notable donations from the
Jared Polis Majority Fund in the
second quarter of this year includ-
ed $1,500 to David Cicilline, the
gay mayor of Providence, R.I.
who’s running for Congress, and
$1,500 to Rep. Scott Murphy (D-
N.Y.), who last year replaced Sen.
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) upon
her appointment to the U.S.
Senate. The Jared Polis Victory
Fund in the second quarter donat-
ed $4,000 to Sen. Michael Bennet
(D-Colo.), who’s seeking to retain
his U.S. Senate seat.
“We’ve been very active in help-
ing to build a pro-equality majority
in the House and I’ve focused a lot
of national fundraising in helping to
achieve that,” Polis said.
The notion that LGBT voters
should directly support candi-
dates they see as supportive ver-
sus supporting the Democratic
Party infrastructure is a common
view among many advocates.
Aravosis said the best donation
tactic that LGBT people can use as
the November election approaches
is to support candidates “who are
proven to be pro-gay and proven to
have come through for us.”
“That means support Democrats
who actually have fought for us, or,
[get behind] those Republicans who
have fought for us, although I’m not
convinced there’s too many,” he said.
Davis said this approach is
the best way to ensure that a
majority in Congress supportive
of LGBT rights is in place.
“So, the way I see it is this: find
a good friend that you think is
going to advocate for our issues
well, and that’s where you should
put your money,” Davis said.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 13

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14 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
NEWS
Prop 8 case likely headed to U.S. Supreme Court
Continued from page 1
appeal Vaughn’s decision to the
Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of
Appeals, which could take a year
or more to issue a ruling.
Supporters and opponents of
same-sex marriage have each
vowed to take the case to the U.S.
Supreme Court if they lose at the
appeals court level, a development
that legal observers say could lead
to a landmark Supreme Court rul-
ing on same-sex marriage.
Vaughn’s decision Wednesday
followed a controversial 12-day trial
in January in which he presided
over arguments by supporters and
opponents of same-sex marriage
that drew international media cov-
erage. He ordered a four-month
break in the trial to go over a moun-
tain of evidence before resuming
the proceedings in June to hear
closing arguments.
His 136-page decision released
late Wednesday strongly rejected
arguments by attorneys supporting
Proposition 8 that same-sex mar-
riage harms traditional marriage
and child-rearing, saying those
arguments reflect a “moral view”
that does not justify a “state inter-
est” in banning same-sex marriage.
“Moral disapproval alone is an
improper basis on which to deny
rights to gay men and lesbians,” he
wrote. “The evidence shows con-
clusively that Proposition 8 enacts,
without reason, a private moral
view that same-sex couples are
inferior to opposite-sex couples.”
He added that “because
California has no interest in discrim-
inating against gay men and les-
bians, and because Proposition 8
prevents California from fulfilling its
constitutional obligation to provide
marriages on an equal basis, the
court concludes that Proposition 8
is unconstitutional.”
The ruling drew quick praise
from many advocates of same-
sex marriage, including Evan
Wolfson of Freedom to Marry.
“Judge Walker’s decision will be
appealed and litigation will contin-
Officials withhold cause of Secrets dancer’s death
The D.C. Medical Examiner’s
office says it has determined
the cause and manner of death
of a 26-year-old gay man found
dead in his apartment — but
could not immediately release
the information.
Beverly Fields, a spokesper-
son for the Medical Examiner’s
office, said city policy prevented
the office from releasing the
information until it delivered a
Attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies (front) waged the case against Proposition 8, which banned same-sex
marriage in California.
ue, but what we witnessed in the
clear light of his courtroom cannot
be erased,” he said. “The witness-
es, evidence and arguments all
demonstrated what we’ve long
known: exclusion from marriage
harms committed same-sex cou-
ples and their families, while help-
ing no one, and the unjustified and
unfair denial of marriage to same-
sex couples violates the United
States Constitution.
“The judge’s ruling reflects the
growing consensus in courtrooms
and legislatures across the country,
and around the world, that there is
simply no good reason to exclude
same-sex couples from marriage.”
Several elected officials, includ-
ing New York Gov. David Paterson,
also applauded the ruling.
“I know that there is a long road
ahead in the legal proceedings, but
whatever the outcome I believe that
the bedrock American principle of
equal protection under the law must
mean equal rights for gays and les-
bians, and that such equal rights
must include the fundamental right
to marry,” he said. “Today’s decision
is one important step in a long
struggle, and that struggle must
continue until equality is achieved.”
copy of the death certificate to
Mark Gower’s family.
She said the death certificate
would be given to the family
when funeral arrangements are
made and the body is released.
Those arrangements had not
been made for Gower as of ear-
lier this week, she said.
Police found Gower’s body in
his apartment July 22 in the city’s
Mount Pleasant section. The dis-
But the National Organization for
Marriage, the nation’s leading group
opposing same-sex marriage,
called the decision a threat to “tradi-
tional” marriage in other states.
“With a stroke of his pen, Judge
Walker has overruled the votes and
values of 7 million Californians who
voted for marriage as one man and
one woman,” said Brian Brown, the
group’s president. “This ruling, if
allowed to stand, threatens not only
Prop 8 in California but the laws in
45 other states that define marriage
as one man and one woman.”
The case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger,
was named after Kris Perry, who,
along with her partner of 10
years, Sandy Stier, were among
two same-sex couples that filed
the lawsuit to challenge Prop 8 on
federal constitutional grounds.
Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo,
the other two plaintiffs, have been
together for nine years. Neither of
the couples married in California
during the short window in which
same-sex marriage was legal but
said they joined the suit to enable
them and other same-sex couples
to fulfill their desire to marry from
that time going forward.
The American Foundation for
covery came two weeks after the
man’s friends and co-workers
were unable to reach him.
People who knew Gower said he
worked as an employee of the
Sephora cosmetics store in Reston,
Va., and was a part-time dancer at
Secrets, a D.C. gay nightclub.
A police spokesperson said
last week, before the Medical
Examiner’s office made a determi-
nation on the cause of Gower’s
Photo courtesy of Equal Rights Foundation
Equal Rights, a group created by
California gay activist Chad Griffin
to challenge Prop 8, initiated the
lawsuit at a time when some legal
experts and gay legal groups
opposed such a challenge.
Lambda Legal Defense &
Education Fund was among the
groups that considered challenging
Prop 8 on federal constitutional
grounds to be too risky because
the case would likely reach the
U.S. Supreme Court, which was
expected to rule against same-sex
marriage rights.
Support for the lawsuit initially
was less than overwhelming within
LGBT legal and activist circles. But
the initial reservations — at least in
public forums — appeared to van-
ish when American Foundation for
Equal Rights leaders managed to
pull off what some considered a
stunning coup.
The group lined up conservative
Republican attorney and acclaimed
constitutional expert Theodore “Ted”
Olson, a former U.S. Solicitor
General under President George W.
Bush; and esteemed litigator, law
school professor and U.S. Justice
Department attorney during the
Clinton administration, David Boies,
death, that that there were no out-
ward signs of foul play, such as
injuries. But Lt. Nicholas Bruel
said police could not rule out a
homicide and that other possible
causes could include accidental
death or suicide.
Timothy White, one of
Gower’s friends, said this week
he was setting up a fund for peo-
ple to donate money to help the
family pay for a flight to D.C. to
as the lead attorneys for the two
couples in the case.
Olson, who had not spoken out
on LGBT issues in the past,
emerged as a champion for LGBT
equality, saying the right to marry for
same-sex couples was protected by
the U.S. Constitution and should be
a fundamental principle in U.S. law.
The two attorneys’ arguments
and actions during the Prop 8 trial
appeared to dominate the proceed-
ings and prompted many legal
observers to conclude that their
side came across far stronger than
the legal team defending Prop 8.
Olson and Boies argued during
the trial, among other things, that
Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution’s
Equal Protection Clause and the
Fourteenth Amendment as well
as the Constitution’s Due
Process Clause by “impinging”
on fundamental liberties.
The two also argued that Prop 8
singles out gays and lesbians for “dis-
favored legal status” and thus cre-
ates “second-class citizens.” They
also told the court the same-sex mar-
riage ban discriminates on the basis
of gender and sexual orientation.
Vaughn, 65, who was first nom-
inated for his federal judgeship
post by President Ronald Reagan,
became the focus of unexpected
publicity when media reports dis-
closed in February that he’s gay.
Some gay rights opponents
demanded he be removed from the
case, saying he could not render an
impartial decision. Other same-sex
marriage opponents said Vaughn’s
sexual orientation should not matter
but accused him of being biased
against the defendants in his proce-
dural rulings during the trial.
LGBT legal groups and public
opinion leaders, including newspa-
per editorials, disputed claims that
Vaughn was biased and dismissed
calls for him to step down from the
case. Some noted that the judge
had been criticized during his earli-
er years on the bench for handing
down conservative, libertarian ori-
ented decisions that in a few cases
went against gay rights.
retrieve the body and arrange for
transporting it to Oregon, where
Gower’s family lives. White noted
that directions to make contribu-
tions would be released soon.
A memorial service for Gower
in Washington was scheduled to
be held Friday, Aug. 6, starting at
6 p.m. at the Human Rights
Campaign headquarters, 1640
Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 15

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16 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
VIEWPOINT
Freedom is fabulous
Tammy Bruce on
hate crimes, the gay
left and refusing
to conform
By JESSICA LEE
“Something has gone wrong
when as gay people we are
protested by other gay people for
not conforming,” said Tammy
Bruce last week in San Diego.
There is a major kerfuffle going
on in the gay community over
GOProud hosting a reception at
the Manchester Hyatt in San Diego
last weekend that featured Bruce.
Many gay organizations are boy-
cotting the hotel because its owner,
Doug Manchester, donated
$125,000 to support Proposition 8.
Before any of you readers go bal-
listic, know that I, a GOProud
board member, took a week off
from work in D.C. to volunteer to
fight Proposition 8. I am a passion-
ate believer in marriage equality. I
also believe in redemption.
Manchester made a mistake
and offered amends in the form
of equal donations to gay groups
that he gave to support Prop 8.
GOProud accepted a $10,000
credit at his hotel and $6,000 in
cash. Five other gay organiza-
tions also accepted his gifts but
none of them have gone public
and I don’t know who they are.
GOProud used its credit at the
Hyatt to host an event for gays
who support a different approach
to equality from the gay estab-
lishment, featuring Tammy
Bruce, a feminist and classical
liberal gay woman who ran NOW
in Los Angeles for several years.
And boy did we get hell for that.
I travel a lot for work and have
never seen a hotel with as many
gay staffers as the Manchester
FEEDBACK
The following comments
were posted to our website.
Visit washingtonblade.com to
join the discussion.
Re: “8 arrested in U.S. Capitol
protest over ENDA” (news, July 28)
There is STILL the opportunity
to get ENDA passed this year if
we can get every potential ENDA
supporter to call Congress at 202-
224-3121 and urge our senators
and representatives to co-sponsor
and vote for ENDA now while they
have the chance!
Hyatt. Of their 1,100 employees,
325 have come out as gay to the
hotel to protest the protest
against them by their own peo-
ple. They wore rainbow pins
while we were there to support
GOProud, as the boycott is hurt-
ing them and their families.
The real story is that the gay
protesters are allied with
Unitehere, which is a union
group that wants to unionize the
Hyatt. None of the staff that I
spoke with wants to be in a
union; rather they love their jobs
and want to do them until they
retire. As a former housekeeper,
I am sensitive to what a tough
job that can be. But the house-
keepers with whom I spoke told
me that they love their job. The
annual housekeeper turnover at
this hotel is 1 percent while the
industry average is 54 percent.
So the protesters are more
aligned with unions than they are
with the gay employees of the Hyatt
and the housekeepers who want to
keep their jobs in a bad economy.
That is mission creep, in a bad way.
In San Diego I had the oppor-
tunity to meet and interview
Tammy Bruce, the featured
speaker at the GOProud event.
Washington Blade: The leg-
islative priorities of gay establish-
ment organizations have been
passing a hate crimes bill and
ENDA. What is your view on
those priorities? Would you sug-
gest different ones?
Tammy Bruce: Hate crime legis-
lation accomplishes only one thing
— the notion that some people in
this country are more important than
others. Last time I checked all the
civil rights movements were based
in the rejection of this notion.Yet here
we are, in the warm seats of power,
and now a “legislative priority” is to
make sure crimes committed
against us are a more serious
I share the frustration so
many of us in our community
feel. And it seems to me that the
most productive way to put that
frustration to good use is to call
and lobby and meet with our rep-
resentatives and Senators who
are not yet ENDA co-sponsors
— but who could be. It worked
with Sen. Jim Webb. — Sloan
Re: “Mercurial Aretha delights
in steamy concert” (blog post by
Joey DiGuglielmo, Aug. 2)
Great review. Enough insider
offense and punished more aggres-
sively. I find it an obscene reversal of
what so many fought for throughout
the 20th century — to establish a
group of people as deserving of spe-
cial treatment because of either their
complexion or sexual orientation.
People have died in this county to
end those sorts of policies. For us to
embrace them is beyond shameful.
Let’s be honest here: What
crime doesn’t send a message to
the whole community? What rape
doesn’t frighten all women regard-
less of the complexion of the vic-
tim? What assault doesn’t scare
everyone in a neighborhood? As a
lesbian, I refuse to embrace the
notion that if I get raped it somehow
is more serious or more important
or should be viewed as more horrif-
ic because the rapist “hates” les-
bians, versus the rape of a hetero-
sexual woman who is raped
because her rapist hated her
because she turned him down, or
reminded him of his ex-wife, or
because he hates all women. I think
it’s time for many in our community
to read Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Blade: What do you think
explains the vitriol and intoler-
ance of the gay left toward gays
who hold other opinions?
Bruce: A few things, including
the inability to deal with the
details of the issues. Bullying
someone can be the easiest and
fastest way to end a discussion
or frighten someone into retreat.
It’s juvenile and petty. The
Thought Police, as christened by
Orwell in 1984, is actually a
Marxist tenet.
We also now have a generation
(or two) of gays who have been
conditioned by Liberal Gay, Inc.
into believing that the price of dis-
sent is simply too high. So
thoughtful gays and lesbians
retreat from the debate allowing
the damaged and most extreme of
stuff to make us feel smart, and
enough description to make us feel
we were there. I grew up in her era
(SCHS 1964), so it has been a
pleasure to watch her move from
the “parade of stars” mode to her
own divaship through grit, determi-
nation and a willingness to rein-
vent. It doesn’t heart, either, that
“Respect’ became an anthem for
the women’s movement and gay
pride. Hail to the queen. We love
you, sweetheart! — Jake Spencer
Re: “ENDA blame game
the community to control the pub-
lic discussion. Remember, the
political is personal, and many
who engage in the misogyny so
prevalent in the gay community
should be in a psychiatrist’s office
and not in a political or cultural
organization. Bottom line: the
most damaged tend to rise to the
top in the left and we see it in their
response to those of us who do
not conform or refuse to pay alle-
giance to their leftist worldview.
Blade: How do you think that
gays could best unite around com-
mon goals to achieve equality?
Bruce: History has shown us
that conservative ideals improve
the quality of everyone’s lives,
especially those of us who are
minorities. There is one thing that
allows us to live lives of our choos-
ing: to make choices that best suit
us — and that is financial freedom
and personal liberty. The only thing
that allows us to have our political
voice, to make choices in our lives
free from coercion, and to live as
we choose is the ability to be free
from financial reliance on some-
one else. As long as government
takes our money, gets bigger and
bigger, it will continue to invade our
lives and our homes. Minorities are
always the first to suffer under big,
unrestrained government. This
time is no different. We can agree
to disagree on certain issues, but
we will only be able to enjoy having
those debates and engaging in our
lives as long as we are able to
keep the fruits of our labor.
To sum up Tammy’s
comments: freedom
is fabulous.
Jessica Lee is a new
board member of
GOProud and regular
contributor to the Blade.
Reach her at
jlee@goproud.org.
underway” (news, July 29)
The Dems have been squan-
dering a unique situation when
they have a majority in the House
to pass ENDA. They wasted the
entire past year on doing nothing
but healthcare reform saying
ENDA had to wait for that to pass
first before anything could be done.
Now it’s because “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” legislation is up first and that
has to be voted on before ENDA
gets a chance. Can’t Nancy Pelosi
and the Dems walk and chew gum
at the same time? — El Dorado
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INSIDELGBTWASHINGTON
Where is the urgency?
Democrats fail to
deliver — and want
our votes anyway
By PETER ROSENSTEIN
We wait, some with baited
breath, for the November elec-
tions to see whether the
Democrats will lose either the
House or the Senate. Contrary to
White House Press Secretary
Robert Gibbs’ assessment, I am
not willing to say that Democrats
could lose the House. But clearly
there will be major losses for
Democrats in Congress.
The question is why after only
two years of Democrats control-
ling the White House, the House
of Representatives and the
Senate are we talking about such
losses? Is it inevitable that in
midterm elections the party in
power loses seats? Is the fight
only over how many? Is it because
when you do something different
the people want to put the brakes
on change or is it that this year’s
A time of cocktails, fedoras and prejudice
New season of
‘Mad Men’ retains
queer sensibility
By KATHI WOLFE
I don’t smoke, drink Old
Fashioneds, wear a girdle or enjoy
watching commercials on televi-
sion. I’ve no desire to see sexism,
homophobia, racism or anti-
Semitism sanctioned in the work-
place or other parts of society. Yet
once again I’m glued to the TV,
watching season four of “Mad Men,”
the AMC show, set in the early
1960s, about the work and person-
al lives of the denizens of the adver-
tising agency Sterling Cooper
Draper Pryce, where smoking,
drinking, women wearing girdles,
men wearing fedoras — and preju-
dice against women, African-
Americans, Jews, gays, and just
about anyone else are the norm.
(The third episode of the new sea-
son of “Mad Men” airs on Aug. 8.)
Why am I hooked on a pro-
gram whose characters’ indul-
gences are so different from
mine, and whose prejudices I
don’t share? Because “Mad Men”
is the most well-written and acted,
extensively (almost exhaustively)
losses will be the result of
Democrats being too timid in mov-
ing forward the social agenda they
promised the voters?
I think it is a combination of all
those things. It will take many years
for voters to feel the impact of the
key bills that Congress passed —
healthcare reform, the stimulus
and financial reform packages.
Unemployment hovers around 10
percent, many of the reforms in the
healthcare bill don’t take effect until
2014 and most people have no
idea of what the financial reform
legislation will mean to them.
There are many interest
groups that make up the base of
the Democratic Party, including
women, unions, the LGBT com-
munity and Latinos. They’re all
wondering what happened to the
urgency for passing social legis-
lation they support that directly
impacts their lives. Those are the
groups that the Democratic Party
needs to excite and get to the
polls if they want to limit the
anticipated losses in November.
Yet many of those groups are
looking at the Democratic Party
Jon Hamm stars as Don Draper in the stylish ‘MAD MEN,’ which, in its
fourth season, still appeals to LGBT audiences.
researched, and I’d bet anyone
the most luscious three-martini
lunch, the most stylish show on
TV. And although it takes place at
a time when gay, lesbian, bisexu-
al and transgender people could-
n’t be out, “Mad Men” has a gay
sensibility that still rings true for
queer people today.
This isn’t to say that the show
doesn’t resonate with straight
people (“Mad Men” status has
morphed from cult fave to iconic)
or that Matthew Weiner, the pro-
gram’s creator, producer and
head writer is gay (he’s straight).
“Mad Men’s” special connec-
and thinking, “You told us in 2008
that if we donate money, get our
people to the polls, work hard
and put our trust in you, that you
will return that trust by passing
legislation that helps us. Now
you tell us, sorry we couldn’t do it
but keep trusting us because the
other party is worse.”
That’s a hard message to sell
and an even harder one to buy,
even if true. The inability to sell it
is seen in the latest Gallup Poll
numbers, which show that there
is a more than 20 percent differ-
ence in excitement for the
November elections with the
Democrats on the losing end of
that excitement meter.
As a Democrat and a member
of the LGBT community I have a
really hard time getting excited
about this election. I look at my
party and think, “Where is the
urgency on my issues?” Where is
the urgency for repealing “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” when 82 percent
of the country supports repeal,
including even Bill O’Reilly?
Where is the urgency for passing
ENDA? Where is the urgency for
Photo courtesy of AMC
tion to me and other queer afi-
cionados stems from its style
and wit; its focus on hidden and
invented identities; and its por-
trayal of gay life (in the decade
before Stonewall when the word
queer was used as an epithet).
Volumes could be (and I’m
sure will be) written about the
intricacies of the relationships
and interior life of “Mad Men’s”
characters. Suffice it to say that
the show is a Rubik’s Cube of lay-
ers upon layers of facade, secre-
cy and identity. Don Draper, “Mad
Men’s” main character has spent
a good part of his life both rein-
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 17
passing legislation to give LGBT
federal government employees
health insurance and other ben-
efits for their partners?
I am thankful that the hate
crimes act was finally passed
and signed and that there are
some other benefits the presi-
dent has extended with the
stroke of a pen. But the big
issues haven’t been accom-
plished and in some cases the
feeling is no one is seriously try-
ing. The sense in the LGBT com-
munity and the other Democratic
base communities is that if we
have the huge majorities we
have in Congress today and we
can’t move these issues forward,
why is it that we should continue
to give money to groups like the
DNC or DCCC who then give it
to Democrats who won’t vote for
our issues anyway. It is hard for
most people to continue to buy
that argument.
I understand how Congress
works. I know that with a Republican-
controlled Congress that marriage
equality in D.C. is at risk. Then again,
we have a Congress controlled by
venting himself and trying to hide
his past. Growing up as Dick
Whitman, Don had an unhappy,
impoverished childhood. His
mother, a prostitute, died during
childbirth. During the Korean War,
Don took the identity of an officer
who he fought with. Lying about
his identity is a key reason why
Don’s marriage to Betty fails.
Other characters in “Mad
Men” live with secrets. Peggy
Olson, a single, young woman,
doesn’t reveal to anyone (other
than Don who has been her
mentor) that she (without know-
ing it) had become pregnant
after having sex with co-worker
Pete Campbell. (She gives the
child up for adoption.)
The cost of living a lie is per-
haps greatest for Salvatore (Sal)
Romano, the former art director of
Sterling Cooper and a closeted
gay man. (Sal is played by gay
actor Byran Batt.) Sal, who is mar-
ried to Kitty, is so deeply in the
closet that he can barely acknowl-
edge to himself that he’s attracted
to men. Kitty senses that some-
thing isn’t right and that he doesn’t
desire her. But she doesn’t under-
stand why until he acts out for her
(in a heartbreakingly funny scene)
the opening scene of “Bye Bye
Birdie.” (Sterling Cooper is using
Democrats now that couldn’t
pass either legislative or budget
autonomy for the District.
So I understand groups like
GetEqual that are taking to the
streets and using tactics we
haven’t seen since the early
days of ACT-UP and the anti-
war movement. They believe
we need to be heard and to
remind Democrats to stop tak-
ing us for granted.
It is a conundrum for sure. But
it is one that President Obama,
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and
Majority Leader Harry Reid must
deal with if they want our sup-
port. They wanted the power and
we are now demanding they use
it. Promises for the future
aren’t enough to excite us any-
more if we don’t feel any sense
of urgency to
meet the prom-
ises of the past.
Peter Rosenstein is
a D.C.-based LGBT
rights and Democratic
Party activist. He writes
regularly for the Blade.
the musical as a basis for an ad
for a soft drink.)
Don seems understanding
when he discovers, while he and
Sal are on a business trip, that
Sal has had (or almost has until
there’s a fire) a sexual encounter
with a bellhop. “Limit your expo-
sure,” Don says to Sal knowingly,
quoting, the tagline they’ve been
developing for a London Fog ad.
Unfortunately, after Sal rebuffs
the sexual advances of one of
Sterling Cooper’s male clients,
Don fires him. You’re likely to iden-
tify, as I did, with Sal, though you
might think, “How could someone
be that closeted or Don be so
cruel?” But LGBT people were
(usually) closeted then, and Don
may not have had any (given the
homophobia of the era).
When he fires Sal, Don tells
him, “you’ll be fine.”
Despite the secrets and foibles of
its characters and time, “Mad Men”
stylishly gives us hope
that Draper and his
cohorts as well as
us will all be fine.
Kathi Wolfe is a
writer, poet and reg-
ular contributor to
the Blade. She can
be reached through
this publication.
18 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
VIEWPOINT
Solution to hate crimes is not an armed society
Guns turn common
disagreements into
lethal tragedies
By JERRY CLARK &
LADD EVERITT
We were troubled by the title of
Jessica Lee’s recent column on
gun laws (“A gay perspective on
D.C. gun rights,” July 22). While
her opinion is certainly welcome,
to call it “a gay perspective” sug-
gests that she speaks for the
entire LBGT community on this
issue. She does not.
For starters, we find it disturbing
to see Lee seeking to justify the
illegal behavior of friends who
keep firearms in violation of the
District of Columbia’s laws. Her
argument is that since they “would
never instigate a crime” (how she
can guarantee this she does not
say), they should not be subject to
the rule of law and can be easily
distinguished from real criminals.
As James Madison, the author of
the Second Amendment, said at
the Virginia Ratifying Convention,
“A government leaving it to a man
to do his duty, or not, as he pleas-
es, would be a new species of gov-
ernment, or rather no government
at all.” Additionally, even when
D.C.’s handgun ban was in place
prior to 2008, law-abiding resi-
dents were able to obtain licenses
for long guns and register them
with the police. This now pertains
to handguns as well.
Lee also fails to grasp the pur-
pose of firearms regulation.
Guns do not cause crime—but
they do make attempted crimes
and common arguments/con-
frontations more lethal. The U.S.
has similar rates of violent crime
as other industrialized democra-
cies, but higher rates of homicide
and astronomically higher rates
of gun death.
Her criticism of the District’s
gun laws also misses the mark.
In 2009, more than 98 percent of
all guns recovered from crime
scenes in the District were origi-
nally purchased in states with
lax gun regulations, including
Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia
and Florida. Criminals and traf-
fickers know exactly where to go
to “exercise their Second
Amendment rights” and it’s not
the District. To quote Madison
again, “Liberty may be endan-
gered by the abuses of liberty, as
well as by the abuses of power.”
And while Lee might feel out-
rage about the March 30 mass
shooting that claimed four lives in
Southeast Washington, those
directly affected do not share her
conviction that “gun laws do not
work.” Nardyne Jefferies and
Norman Williams, who lost their
children in that tragedy, have been
among the most vocal opponents
of the National Rifle Association’s
“Second Amendment Enforcement
Act,” which would repeal the city’s
gun laws across the board and
strip the D.C. Council of its Home
Rule authority concerning firearms
regulation. The District’s elected
officials unanimously oppose the
NRA’s repeal legislation and their
repeated efforts to attach it to the
“D.C. House Voting Rights Act.” As
recently as July 13, the Council
reconfirmed its opposition by
unanimously passing R18-0541,
“Sense of the Council Against
Congressional Gun Legislation
Resolution of 2010.”
March ruling by the U.S. District Court
for the District of Columbia.
Lee and Tom Palmer are out- Lee’s concerns regarding self-
raged by the decision of the D.C. defense might be genuine and
Council and Del. Eleanor well-intentioned, but the solution
Holmes Norton to act in the inter- to hate crimes is not an armed
est of public safety? They should society. Acceptance of gay people
consider the words of NRA-ILA in this country has progressed
Executive Director Chris Cox, dramatically over the last 30 to 40
who smugly stated, “I honestly years. That was accomplished
don’t care about voting rights.” because gays, lesbians, bisexuals
Lee and Palmer may be frus- and transgender people were
trated that their personal prefer- courageous enough to open up
ence for easier access to guns is and talk with brothers, sisters,
not the consensus position of mothers, fathers, colleagues, and
either the citizens of the District of friends. That change did not occur
Columbia or their elected officials. looking down the barrel of a gun.
It is more than a bit simplistic to Finally, the LGBT community
reduce Norton’s final decision not to should pose this question to Lee
take “the gun deal” as having been and Palmer: If we surrender our
irrational. Frankly, as our delegate to gun laws and Home Rule author-
Congress, it was clearly the right thing ity to the NRA, how long before
to do, especially given the next right-wing
the fact that the interest group
District’s current gun comes gunning
laws were deemed for our same-sex
constitutional in a marriage law?
Jerry Clark is chair of DC for Democracy and a for-
mer board member and co-chair, National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force. Ladd Everitt is director of com-
munications for Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.
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Just when you thought your loan
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locked and you were ready to get
that mortgage on your new home.
A new " loan quality initiative"
implemented by Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac on June 1st is
requiring lenders to re-pull a bor-
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application to settlement. The
loan quality initiative is Fannie
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their mortgage payments.
Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac also
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scores remain the same for the
loan program that was underwrit-
ten. If your score or debt obliga-
tions did change for the worse
then your lender can pull your
washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 32 • august 6, 2010 • Page 20
loan approval for too much debt
to your income or charge you a
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Will Gartshore answers 20 questions.
arts & entertainment
Queery, PAGE 26
washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 32 • august 6, 2010 • Page 25
Martha Wainwright
on family, music
and new show with
brother Rufus
By DAVID J. HOFFMAN
It could be the royal family of folk-pop,
artsy-confessional music.
The Wainwright musical dynasty began with their
troubled father, folk singer-songwriter and actor
Loudon Wainwright III and their mother, the late
Canadian folksinger Kate McGarrigle.
In this generation it has flowered into cult stardom
both with gay singer and opera composer Rufus
Wainwright and his younger singer-songwriter sister
Martha, who are together in concert this Saturday Aug.
7 at The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda.
Of the Wainwright clan, the Guardian newspaper of
London recently observed that, “Loudon, Kate, Martha
and Rufus are the bards of kith and kin, the trouba-
dours of the consanguine,” a fancy way of saying they
write about family and use song to communicate with
the ones they love — or in Martha’s case at least feel
greatly troubled about, as in her notorious song that
she admits was written to her father: the quite literally
titled “Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole.”
But she has also sung a duet, in his 1995 album
Martha Wainwright photo courtesy of Martha Wainwright, Rufus photo courtesy of Rufus Wainwright
“Grown Man,” with her father Loudon. Titled
“Father/Daughter Dialogue,” in it she lays bare in
song her deeply felt family grievance as she sings
to him, “Dearest Daddy with your songs/ Do you
hope to right your wrongs?/ You can’t undo what’s
been done/ To all your daughters and your son.”
In an exclusive interview with the Blade, as she
was driving to Boston with her aunt Teddy to her con-
cert appearance there Tuesday night with Rufus,
Martha said that some of her songs in the
Strathmore concert on Saturday will be from her first
songs that were “more about my family,” as in her
2005 self-titled debut album “Martha Wainwright.”
But in addition to “some old hits from my first album,”
her set will also include a mix of her more recent songs,
such as those from her second album, “I Know You’re
Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too,” which are less about
her family, she says, and “more so about others.” She
was married in 2007 to her producer Brad Albetta.
“I have the tendency to write about people I know
and love,” she admits, “and family is in that group still.”
Rufus, meanwhile, is also a troubadour of troubled
family life. His troubles include the pain of their parents’
divorce when he was three and also his mother’s
recent death from cancer, as well as his own personal
odyssey coming out as gay while a teenager. In 1999,
he told Rolling Stone that his father recognized his
same-sex attraction early and has also admitted that
his “mother and father could not even handle me being
gay,” and it was basically off limits for discussion.
At 14, Rufus was sexually assaulted in London’s
Hyde Park after picking up a man in a bar. In an
interview years later, he described the event that
left him fearing that he would become HIV-positive
after the brutal rape in which the assailant also
tried to strangle him to death.
“I thought it was going to be a romantic walk in
the park, but he raped me,” and he says he sur-
vived through quick wits only by pretending to be
an epileptic and faking a seizure.
He says he remained celibate for seven years
after the rape but then turned promiscuous. Later, in
the early 2000s, he became addicted to crystal meth
and even temporarily lost his vision. The addiction
Continues on page 29
26 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
QUEERY: 20 Questions for Will Gartshore
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
Will Gartshore loves acting, but he also
wanted more out of life. The Canadian
moved to New York in 1994 and had a suc-
cessful Broadway and Off-Broadway career
for several years. But a D.C. romance result-
ed in two years of commuting and, in 2002,
a permanent move to the District.
His career thrived in the new town — he
won two Helen Hayes Awards (the region’s
top acting award) and earned raves in
shows like “Urinetown” at Signature (2005),
“A Year with Frog and Toad” at Roundhouse
(2005) and stints at all the major theaters in
town, including the Kennedy Center. But
after two years the relationship ended.
“One can certainly debate whether it
was a wise move,” Gartshore says. “I’d
been doing quite well in New York but I
decided love was more important. A lot of
people were puzzled by it and in the end
it didn’t last so you kind of find yourself in
a city you never really chose.”
But being in Washington tapped into
other passions. Tired of the effect the the-
ater was having on his social life and also
eager to explore, Gartshore went back to
school at University of Maryland at College
Park and now works full time as a lobbyist
for World Wildlife Fund. He still acts —
some cabaret dates and maybe one full
production a year — but loves the environ-
mental work he’s focusing on now. So is the
whole world a stage? He says yes.
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
“I think people are always performing to
varying degrees. Unless you’re cloistered
away like a hermit, you always have an
audience. Sometimes people say, ‘Are you
acting now?’ But my training taught me to
be sincere as an actor, even in the most
unrealistic circumstances and I believe that
pretty earnestly. Acting taught me sincerity.”
Gartshore is single and lives on the U
Street corridor. He enjoys traveling,
music, running, reading, wine and good
conversation.
How long have you been out and What would you walk
who was the hardest person to tell? across hot coals for?
Since I was 20. My dad, which seems Curiosity.
silly in hindsight. He’s my biggest champ.
What gay stereotype
Who’s your gay hero? annoys you most?
Aquaman. And Ellen. I’m still waiting for my toaster oven.
What is Washington’s best What’s your favorite gay movie?
nightspot, past or present? I thought this was a family publication.
My roof deck is pretty great. I’ve also “The Kids Are All Right” was beautiful
had some excellent evenings at 9:30 and amazing. Best new film I’ve seen
club and DC9. this year.
Describe your dream gay wedding. What’s the most overrated
I’m ambivalent about marriage. Call me social custom?
old fashioned. Remembering people’s names.
What non-gay issue are you What trophy or prize
most passionate about? do you most covet?
Conservation and climate change. I always wanted to be a “Jeopardy!”
champion.
What historical outcome
would you change? What do you wish
Bush v. Gore 2000. Really, we’d be liv- you’d known at 18?
ing in an entirely different universe. How to be 18.
What’s been the most memorable Why Washington?
pop culture moment of your lifetime? I’m still asking myself that question. There
The debut of the “Bad Romance” video is was a boy involved. (Isn’t there always?)
definitely up there. And “Return of the Jedi.”
On what do you insist?
The absence of malice.
What was your last Facebook
post or Tweet?
A Globe & Mail article: “Healthy friend-
ships lead to longer life, study finds.”
If your life were a book,
what would the title be?
“Stylishly Disheveled”
If science discovered a way to
change sexual orientation, what
would you do?
Go about my day.
What do you believe in
beyond the physical world?
Art. And occasionally love.
What’s your advice for
LGBT movement leaders?
Remember who it is that needs your
help the most.
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
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FITNESSAGENDA
Fitness on the go
Tips for staying in
shape while away
from home
By KEVIN NORRIS
My friend Leonid is a frequent
world traveler and manages to
stay quite fit despite his hectic
schedule. I am often asked,
“How do I work out and take care
of myself when I travel?” Leonid
provides the perfect solutions.
When I was freelancing I
spent days on end at the gym
between projects and thought I
would get progressively fit. I did,
for a while. Once I hit the road for
a few weeks my muscles deflat-
ed, my energy level went down
and it was ever more difficult to
drag my sorry fanny back to the
gym upon returning home.
Once I realized I was bound
to travel year after year due to
my occupation, I decided to do
something about it and I learned
a few things about staying fit
while trotting the globe.
First thing I had to learn was
how to keep “juices” flowing
while sitting on a plane for seven
to 16 hours. I watched other pas-
sengers, especially the ones
who seemed fit and energetic.
They walked, stretched in the
back of the plane, but never sat
back and watched movies for
hours. With the lower pressure in
the cabin and dry air it is easy to
get lethargic and sitting like an
anemone for the whole flight is
the worst thing you can do.
Away from home, after I check
in at the hotel, the first thing I do is
go to the gym. Most hotels have
really small gyms with just a few
cardio machines and maybe a
rack with weights. Cardiovascular
activity is what I need and even
the smallest hotels have at least
one piece of equipment. After the
first 20 minutes on a Stairmaster,
my energy level rises.
I always stretch before and after
exercising. Stretching becomes
even more important after many
hours of limited mobility. I take
my time and focus on my inner
self as I stretch and exercise. I
visualize my tired cramped mus-
cles stretch, bend and twist.
I carry resist-a-bands and
push-up bars in my suitcase. If the
gym at the hotel doesn’t have
much equipment, I exercise in my
hotel room and it is amazing how
much I can get out of it, especially
if I can open a window or exercise
on the balcony and have a nice
view. I exercise at my own pace,
listen to my favorite music or no
music at all. If the hotel is close to
a park I often go for a jog.
Another thing that helps me to
stay fit is getting rid of jetlag as soon
as you can. There are many tech-
niques that I have learned. The
best one for me is to go outside or
just open a window, if you are on
the sunny side of the building, and
let the sun caress your face for 20
minutes – It’s amazing what the sun
can do. First, it is quite pleasant
after being on the plane for hours in
the artificial light. Most importantly, it
resets my biological clock.
I avoid naps, as taking a nap
in the middle of the day doesn’t
help as you just fool your body
into a wrong schedule.
Alcohol for me is enemy No. 1
when it comes to travel. It may
help me fall asleep initially, but
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 27
Avoid alcohol and desserts while on a long flight. Instead, drink lots of
water and pack almonds for a snack.
sleep is intermittent. While I might
fall asleep, my body doesn’t move
as it does naturally even when I
sleep; you just numb your senses
and wake up in the same position
you fell asleep in which is the
worst thing to do on a long flight.
I consume lots of plain water
before, during and after the flight. I cut
back on eating in flight as well.
There’s no way I can burn all those
calories in the next few hours after a
large meal on the plane. No salty
chips or sweet desserts. I always
keep in my carryon a bag of plain
almonds and a bar of dark chocolate.
Photo by iStockphoto.com/sjlocke
Overall, I learned to stay as fit on
the go as I usually am when I am
home. There’s really not too much
you have to change in your routine
— you just have to be open to the
change of environment and commit
to staying consistent with
your exercise routine
even while you travel.
Kevin M. Norris is a
health and fitness columnist
for DC Agenda and owner
of Mind Your Own Body,
LLC. Personal Training.
Reach him at
kevinmnorris@aol.com.
28 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
SOCIALAGENDA
Friday, Aug. 6
OPEN MIC NIGHT tonight at the DC
Center, 1318 U St., N.W., at 8 p.m. hosted
by Mike Brazell. Everyone is welcome to a
night of queer poetry and spoken word and
is encouraged to come prepared to share.
Gloss presents FIRST FRIDAYS LADIES
NIGHT tonight at Apex, 1415 22nd St.,
N.W., featuring the DC Kings and the DC
Gurly Show. DJ Rosie will be in the main
hall. There is a $10 cover charge. Must be
18 to enter and 21 to drink.
ANNIE OAKLEY WILD WEST FESTIVAL
starts tonight with an opening dance at
the Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park,
200 Byrn St., Cambridge, Md., from 7 to
11 p.m. There is a $20 cover charge. The
festival is a new event to celebrate famous
sharpshooter Annie Oakley. The festival
continues through the weekend. There will
be music, pony rides, arts and crafts, re-
enactments, food and beverages.
BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY,
created and conducted by George
Daugherty, will be at Wolf Trap’s Filene
Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.,
tonight at 8:30 p.m. The NSO provides live
accompaniment as everyone’s favorite
bunny brings new cartoons and music to
life on large screens in-house and on the
lawn, including classics “The Rabbit of
Seville,” “What’s Opera, Doc?” and more.
The GLBT Arts Consortium and Capitol Hill
Arts Workshop will offer Gilbert & Sullivan’s
most popular opera “THE MIKADO” at
CHAW, 545 7th St., S.E., at 7 p.m. Return
to a time when merely flirting was punish-
able by death, and a poor tailor must com-
pete with a second trombone for the favors
of a beauty named Yum-Yum, and a formi-
dable lady can be won with a pack of flat-
tering lies and a sad, lovelorn song. And
that’s only the beginning.
Saturday, Aug. 7
Ever wanted to dance like the crews on
ABDC such as Poreotixs or Soreal Cru? Join
Return of MidCity Dog Days
Don’t have plans for this weekend?
Head to MidCity for the 11th annual
sidewalk sale, MidCity Dog Days of
Summer, returning this weekend, bring-
ing sales and specials from many of the
area’s businesses.
MidCity is just north of the downtown
area and includes some of the city’s
most dynamic commercial corridors,
such as U Street, Logan Circle, 14th
Street and 9th Street.
There will be sales that will last all
weekend, but some businesses have spe-
cial events scheduled for one day only.
Saturday, in addition to its sale, Sukio
Design Co., 1338 U St. N.W., is hosting
the opening of “Reflections Eternal”, a
showcase of clocks and mirrors by artist
and designer Eto Otitigbe. Visitors will
be able to meet the artist.
On Sunday, visitors to Source, 1835 14th
St., N.W., can get a sneak peek of upcoming
shows, meet the artists, and participate in
light saber, improv and step workshops.
Planned sales range from 15 percent off
the Joy of Motion Dance Center, 5207
Wisconsin Ave., N.W., at 11 a.m. for an
AUTOBOTS VS. DECEPTICONS WORK-
SHOP that will show all the latest street
moves fused with illusions, tutting, popping
and turfing and video choreography based on
today’s hottest dance moves and concepts.
Visit Joyofmotion.org for more information.
The DC Center and Tongues Afire DC
invite QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR TO A
POETRY WORKSHOP taking place at the
DC Center, 1318 U St., N.W., at 1:30 p.m.
Come explore your creative spirit in a
workshop facilitated by local poet Jade
Foster. For more information, contact
Jade at: cereusartsco@gmail.com
NO SCRUBS ’90S DANCE PARTY with
DJs Will Eastman and Brian Billion at
9:30 club at 9 p.m. No Scrubs began in
2004 as a one-off concept party by
Eastman and Billion. The idea was simple:
play both guilty pleasures and under-
ground classics you listened to growing
up in the ’90s. Tickets are $15 and can be
purchased at 930.com.
Drag Days of Summer by Scena at the H
Street Playhouse, 1365 H. St., N.E., is a
party following a performance of “The
Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar
Wilde. There will be complimentary wine,
beer and German food by Biergarten
Haus. Drag attire is welcomed. Tickets
can be purchased at scenatheater.org.
Sunday, Aug. 8
HIPPIEFEST at Wolftrap’s Filene Center,
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va., at 8 p.m. This
“groovy” tradition continues with the best of
the ’70s featuring Jack Bruce of Cream,
War, Mitch Ryder and Rare Earth.
Monday, Aug. 9
“WOMEN TO WATCH 2010 BODY OF
WORK: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON
FIGURE PAINTING” at the National
Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250
New York Ave., N.W. NMWA’s newest
the entire store at Timothy Paul Bedding
+ Home, 1529 14 St., N.W., to $5 bargain
bin and complimentary refreshments at
Treasury Vintage, 1843 14th St., N.W.
Get there early because some busi-
nesses are giving their first customers
even more gifts and savings.
Lettie Gooch Boutique, 1517 U St.,
N.W., is giving its first 25 customers an
additional 10 percent off their favorite item.
The first 50 guests to visit TD Bank,
1489 P St., N.W., each day, will receive
a gift bag with special coupons, plus five
lucky bags will also contain a $100 TD
Bank Visa gift card.
The Dog Days of August Sidewalk
Sale is organized by the MidCity
Business Association, a non-profit help-
ing the more than 500+ businesses in
their service area to access resources
and customers through marketing,
advertising, training and advocacy.
Visit midcitylife.org for a complete list
of participating vendors and a map.
JULIETTE M. EBNER
Phillips After 5 celebrates the work of fashion designer JASON WU next week.
installment in the Women to Watch exhibi-
tion series centers on contemporary figu-
rative painting. The 16 works in the exhibi-
tion reflect myriad styles and approaches,
but all highlight figure painters’ embrace of
the slow, subtle and singular processes
involved in painting people.
Tuesday, Aug. 10
Join the Dance Institute of Washington for
an innovative, family-friendly adaptation of
a celebrated classic, WEST SIDE STORY,
at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.,
at 10 a.m. When the Hip Hops challenge
the Techni-Ques to a lively dance-off, it
seems like everyone’s choosing sides.
This fun, age-appropriate competition is
the backdrop for a love story that makes
two rivals reevaluate their differences and
honor the importance of acceptance
through their love of dance. Visit wolf-
trap.org to purchase tickets.
Photo courtesy of Timothy Paul Bedding + Home
Photo courtesy of Wu
Wednesday, Aug. 11
TRIBUTE TO THE BRITISH INVASION at
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, at 7:30
p.m. Sixty of the D.C. area’s best performers,
including Tommy Lepson, Eric Brace & Last
Train Home, 4 Out of 5 Doctors, Margot
MacDonald, Julia Nixon and more honor
singers and bands that forever changed
America’s musical landscape. Highlighting
the years of 1964-1966, this show features
hits originally performed by The Beatles,
The Rolling Stones, The Who, Dusty
Springfield and more.
PLAY LOTERIA, the Mexican version of
bingo, but played with icons instead of let-
ters and numbers, at The Palace of
Wonders, 1210 H St., N.E., at 6:30 p.m.
The icons were done by 54 of DC/MD’s
top artists including David Amoroso, Kevin
Sherry, Cameron Wolf and former Blade
staffer Alan Defibaugh. The evening is
hosted by burlesque waitress, Shortstaxx
and alt drag performer, Lucrezia Blozia.
(See related story on page 34.)
Thursday, Aug. 12
DCBiWomen, the area’s social group for
bisexual and bi-curious women, will meet
at Cafe Luna, 1633 P St., N.W., at 7 p.m.
The group’s goal is to create an accept-
ing, encouraging environment for bisexual
women regardless of the gender of their
partner or what they are looking for, meet
other cool bi women, and affirm the exis-
tence of the bi-identity.
JASON WU’S FASHION COLLECTION
meets its fine art inspiration at a special
Phillips After 5 at The Phillips Collecton,
1600 21st St., N.W., from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wu
cites Robert Ryman’s painting as the muse
for his fall 2010 TSE cashmere collection.
For one evening, models act as living works
of art in the Ryman exhibition, bringing Wu’s
designs face-to-face with their fine art inspi-
ration. A video of Wu’s fall 2010 ready-to-
wear runway show is on view in the café,
and a scavenger hunt leads visitors through
the museum, collecting fashion and fine art
facts for a chance to win prizes. Tickets are
$12 for adults, $10 for students and visitors
62 and over, and free for members and vis-
itors 18 and under and they can be pur-
chased at phllipscollection.org/calendar.

DCAGENDA
Rufus and Martha Wainwright
to hit Strathmore stage
Continued from page 25
reached a crescendo in 2002 during a
week he has described as “the most sur-
real of my life,” including time spent party-
ing with President George W. Bush’s
daughter Barbara and a “debauched”
evening with singer Marianne Faithfull. He
has said he experienced recurring halluci-
nations of his father throughout.
From hitting bottom then, Rufus has said
he decided he would either go into rehab or
instead go to live with his father because “I
knew I needed an asshole to yell at me, and
I felt he fit the bill.” These and other tales of
trial and tribulation are recounted in Kirk
Lake’s 2009 unofficial biography, “There Will
Be Rainbows: A Biography of Rufus
Wainwright and the Story of Loudon
Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle.”
Born in 1973, his parents divorced in
1976 and Rufus lived with his mother Kate in
Montreal, Canada for most of his precocious
youth. He began playing piano at age six and
at 13 started touring with “The McGarrigle
Sisters” — Kate and her sister Anna. At age
14, he performed his song “I’m a Runnin’” in
a film. He then attended high school at the
Millbrook School in New York, which would
later inspire his song “Millbrook.”
After briefly studying piano at universities
in Montreal, he began to perform at weekly
shows at Cafe Sarajevo there and soon was
on the Montreal club circuit and cutting demo
tapes. He showed such talent and so
impressed his father that he sent the tapes to
legendary songwriter and producer Van
Dyke Parks, who passed them on to
DreamWorks, the record label co-owned by
David Geffen, which signed Rufus and
released his first studio album, the epony-
mous “Rufus Wainwright” in 1998.
The singer had moved to New York City
in 1996 but relocated later that year to Los
Angeles where he spent most of two years
in the studio working on that first album in
sessions costing a reported $700,000.
Rolling Stone called it one of the best
albums of 1998 and named Rufus “Best
New Artist” of the year. He was also nomi-
nated for four awards by the Gay and
Lesbian American Music Awards and again
won for “Best New Artist,” as well winning
the GLAAD Media Award for outstanding
music album. Commercial success for the
album was, however, limited.
Rufus toured with Sean Lennon, son of
John Lennon and Yoko Ono, in 1998 and
began his own first headline tour later that
year. He lived in New York City’s shabby
but chic Chelsea Hotel for six months dur-
ing which he wrote most of his second
album “Poses,” which was also released
to critical acclaim, winning another
GLAAD Media Award, but again finding
limited sales. From 2001 to 2004, he
toured with Tori Amos and Sting, mean-
while releasing more albums and in 2005
a DVD titled “All I Want,” featuring a biog-
raphical documentary and music videos,
and that same year he contributed a solo
song to Burt Bacharach’s “At This Time.”
In 2006 in two sold-out concerts at
Carnegie Hall in New York City, he per-
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 29
Rufus Wainwright
w/ Martha Wainwright
Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center at Strathmore
Bethesda, Md.
$46, 202-397-SEAT
ticketmaster.com
formed an entire Judy Garland set of songs
based on her album she recorded there in
1961. He later repeated this concert at the
Hollywood Bowl, the Paris Olympia, and at
London’s Palladium, and live CD and DVD
recordings of these concerts — “Rufus
Does Judy” — were released in 2007. Also
that year, Geffen Records released
Wainwright’s fifth studio album, “Release the
Stars,” produced by the singer and featuring
among others his mother and sister.
His more recent interests have also
turned to opera - and his first opera, orig-
inally commissioned by the Metropolitan
Opera in New York City, “Prima Donna,”
the libretto written in French, is about “a
day in the life of an opera singer,” anx-
iously preparing for her comeback, who
falls in love with a journalist.
In 2010, he released his sixth studio
album, “All Days Are Nights: Songs for
Lulu,” mainly featuring his piano and vocals
with nine original songs rather than the lush
instrumentation and arrangements of his
other work. This new CD, for which he is
now on tour, includes the closing aria from
his debut opera, “Les feux d’artifice t’appel-
lent” (or the games of fancy call to me).
The CD also features three of William
Shakespeare’s sonnets set to music, includ-
ing Sonnet 43 giving the album its title, “All
days are night to see till I see thee....”
The “thee” is possibly a reference to his
boyfriend and partner of five years, German
arts administrator Jorn Weisbrodt, about
whom the singer declared in a recent London
Telegraph interview that, “I wasn’t a huge gay
marriage fan before I met Jorn because I love
the whole old-school promiscuous Oscar
Wilde freak show of what ‘being gay’ once was.
But since meeting Jorn all that has changed.”
Also included in the album is a striking
opening track, “Who Are You New York?”
with its rolling arpeggios that recount an
“obsessive search for an unnamed object
of desire,” the haunting obsession of erot-
ic fantasy, a song originally written for a
film project, but rejected by its producers
to Wainwright’s evident relief. His power-
ful third track, the song “Martha,” mean-
while, consists of conversational lyrics.
“Martha, it’s your brother calling/ Time to
go up north and see mother/Things are hard-
er for her now/ And neither of us is really that
much older than each other any more./
Martha, it’s your brother calling/ Have you any
chance to see father/Wondering how he’s
doing/And there’s not much time/ For us real-
ly to be that angry at each other anymore.”
Family. The ties that bind, the ties that
can also choke. Family, the seedbed of
the Wainwright musical canon. Come
hear brother and sister give their musical
voices to this pain and this passion.
30 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
SOCIALAGENDA
Down by the seashore
Saturday’s Chesapeake
Pride offers laid back
vibe, small-town feel   it’s such a contrast to Capital Pride.
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
Gay life in small towns, as
many have noted, can be tough.
Kim Hinken lives in Edgewater,
Md., near Annapolis, and finds
community through church and an
e-mail group.
“We have happy hours once a
month,” she says. “I send out e-
mail blasts to everybody on our
list and invite them and we meet
at a bar in Annapolis. Not a gay
bar, because there aren’t any,
but just any old bar. If it feels
comfortable, we’ll go back. But it
is difficult. Very difficult. I can’t
imagine being a teen here.”
There is a glimmer of LGBT fab-
ulousness, though. Once a year
about 500 — some from D.C. and
Baltimore — gather for Chesapeake
Pride slated for Saturday from noon
to 6 p.m. at Mayo Beach Park in
Edgewater, Md., just south of
Annapolis. The main draw is for
gays in Maryland’s Chesapeake
Bay/Annapolis region to gather and
celebrate but gays from the larger
region — it’s about 35 miles from
D.C. — sometimes attend because
“It’s much more intimate and
because it’s smaller, it’s more
accepting and manageable,” says
Rev. Wayne Schwandt, pastor of
the mostly gay Metropolitan
Community Church of the
Chesapeake, a small parish of
about 25 that meets on Sunday
evenings. “I think a lot of people are
getting to the point where they find
Capital Pride overwhelming but
this is much easier to navigate and
you can virtually talk to everybody
who’s there … it feels sort of like
Capital Pride did in 1975 when
Deacon [Maccubbin] started it and
it was just a block party.”
Schwandt and a group of volun-
teers started Chesapeake Pride 11
years ago. The Chesapeake Pride
Planning Committee consists mostly
of MCC Chesapeake members who
plan the annual event. It’s the only
Maryland Pride event besides
Baltimore Pride. About 550 attended
last year and it continues to grow each
year. Gays from D.C. and Baltimore
are welcome but the event was con-
Chesapeake Pride
Mayo Beach Park
on the Chesapeake Bay
Edgewater, Md.
Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
$5 donation
chesapeakepridefestival.org
ceived to give the LGBT community in
Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s and Calvert
counties, where there are no gay bars
and a dearth of gay events, access to
an LGBT festival.
Organizers say Mayo Beach
Park makes for a great Pride set-
ting. Swimsuits are encouraged.
Bands play nearby and a drag
show is held under an indoor
pavilion with large sliding doors on
all sides. The committee rents the
Photos courtesy of Chesapeake Pride Planning Committee
park for the day. A classic car
show, kids’ area and face painting The scene at last year’s Chesapeake Pride on Aug. 1, 2009.
are again on this year’s schedule.
Drag performer Stormy Vain will always given to a local gay-straight ily friendly, there’s a kids area. They
emcee for the fourth consecutive alliance or LGBT charity if any money, love the water and the beach and
year. About 40 booth vendors even a few hundred dollars, is left over. the playground. It’s a great place for
have registered, again a record. Sponsors and donations help. families to come for the day.”
Chesapeake Pride is free but $5 “It’s a very laid back, very casu- Parking is free and abundant in
donations are requested. The group al atmosphere,” Hinken says. two nearby fields. And a bathhouse
usually breaks even despite the “Because it’s in a park setting right area gives revelers a chance to
approximately $10,000 Hinken on the bay, I think it gives the kind shower before departing.
guesses it costs to produce. A few of atmosphere where you feel you “Not that kind of bathhouse,”
years there has been a slight profit. It’s can really be yourself. It’s very fam- Hinken says with a laugh.

SOCIALAGENDA
Jeff Lewis ready for more ‘Flipping Out’
Bravo’s hit show
returns with key
cast changes
By JULIETTE M. EBNER
Jeff Lewis and his gang are back.
This time, instead of flipping
houses, Lewis is designing them,
at least the interiors.
“Last year we were concerned
about drumming up business and
I was certainly concerned about
money,” Lewis said in a phone
interview earlier this week. “This
season is a little different. It’s kind
of the opposite. Not that I have so
much money, but I have a lot of
work coming in.”
But don’t expect the improved
business to reduce Lewis’ flip-outs.
“I have this whole fear of turn-
ing down any work, so now I
think I’ve taken on more than I
can handle,” said Lewis in a pre-
view of season four.
Lewis, who is gay, was named
the designer for the third annual
“Kitchen of the Year,” a showcase
of the best in kitchen design,
cooking, entertaining and con-
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 31
temporary lifestyle that is
brought to life each July by
House Beautiful magazine.
The job is based in New York
and he isn’t the only one to make
the move. Moral support comes in
the form of long-suffering assis-
tant Jenni Pulos and housekeeper
Zoila Chavez.
Pulos has been promoted to
Chief Operating Officer of Lewis
Design, but her promotion does-
n’t come with a raise.
And don’t expect to see Pulos’
new boyfriend. They both decid-
ed he would not make an
appearance on the show.
Photo courtesy of Lewis
“She didn’t want to get dumped
again on camera,” joked Lewis. Jeff Lewis is back for season four of ‘FLIPPING OUT,’ but his ex-boyfriend and former business partner Ryan Brown is not.
“You’re so sensitive today,”
commented Pulos. “Yea, I guess who won’t be returning this season. is what they get in real life when back into their homes,” said Lewis.
that’s what is was, I didn’t want to “You will not see [Ryan Brown] it comes to Lewis. Lewis added that he has found
get dumped on camera.” on the show, said Lewis. “I “I think there are a lot of different himself biting his tongue more
“Again,” added Lewis. haven’t seen Ryan since the sides, facets, to my personality,” said now when dealing with clients.
Pulos and Chavez are not the reunion episode.” Lewis. “I think we see a lot of one “I hate working so hard for my
only returning employees. Sarah Lewis said he and Brown have e- side of me. It would certainly be nice money,” he said.
Berkman, Lewis’ sister-in-law is mailed and spoken on the phone a to see more of the softer side.” The third season of “Flipping
back as his full-time assistant. few times in an effort to clear the air, “Listen, [he’s] an intense person Out” was its highest rated ever
Jett Pink, the house assistant, is but the two former business partners at work, that’s the deal,” added and the series was the No. 1 real
back and is a father now, and and ex-boyfriends turned close Pulos. “There is another side.” estate show on cable for 2009.
Trace Lenhoff, the intern, is back friends haven’t seen each other. “Now that we’re in the client busi- The fourth season of
as a full-time employee. Some viewers probably won- ness, we have people breathing Bravo’s “Flipping Out” pre-
There are some people, though, der if what they see on television down our necks, wanting to move mieres Tuesday at 9 p.m.
D
D
D
HAPPY HOUR
FOR DOGS!
(Owners Welcome Too.)
Drink Specials & FREE Giveaways
Larry’s Lounge
2009 Most Pet Friendly Establishment in DC
Corner of 18th & T St, NW
Every Wednesday 4-8pm
32 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
THE GUIDE TO ARTS & CULTURE
HOT HITS AND
HIDDEN JEWELS OPENING
JUNE WAYNE’S ‘DOROTHY SERIES’ friday, august 06
Through September 13 THE GATHERING OFTHE LEGENDS - PHO-
National Museum of Women in the Arts TOGRAPHY EXHIBITION. Del Ray Artisans.
Artist June Wayne epitomizes the strength and 703-625-2330. theDelRayArtisans.org.
determination of her generation. Taken from
NMWA’s collection, ‘The Dorothy Series’ is a set of thursday, august 12
lithographs created in a hyper-realist style using LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL.
reprinted photographs, documents, and scrapbook Wolf Trap. 703-255-1868. wolftrap.org.
memorabilia. The 20 works illustrate her mother
Dorothy’s life as an immigrant, a single parent and
a successful saleswoman.
LAST CHANCE
CHUCK CLOSE PRINTS: saturday, august 07
PROCESS AND COLLABORATION THROUGH THEIR EYES: HAITIAN
Through September 12 ARTISTS’ VISIONS OF HOME. Joan
Corcoran Gallery of Art Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith
202-397-7328 Farm Center. smithfarm.com.
corcoran.org
For over 30 years, renowned American portraitist Chuck sunday, august 08
Close has explored the art of printmaking, experimenting PASSING STRANGE. The Studio Theatre.
with innovative techniques that test and advance the lim- 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org.
its of the medium. Chuck Close Prints: Process and
Collaboration, which includes more than 100 finished wednesday, august 11
images, proofs, and objects, is the first survey to consid- A COLLECTIONS CONVERSATION.
er this important artist's extensive and groundbreaking work in the field. Dumbarton House. 202-337-2288. dumb-
artonhouse.org.
SHARNA FABIANO
TANGO COMPANY
Sunday, August 08
Dance Place ONE NIGHT ONLY
202-269-1600 saturday, august 07
danceplace.org GALLERY AFTER HOURS: L’TANYA MARI’.
Sharna Fabiano Tango Company acknowledges Workhouse Arts Center. 703-584-2900.
the transformative power of human connection workhousearts.org.
found in contemporary tango communities.
Inspired by authentic tango aesthetics and social sunday, august 08
themes, the company explores the deep nostalgia, intimacy, and longing inherent to the HIPPIEFEST: A CONCERT FOR PEACE
form. Passionate embraces meet quiet moments of personal reflection, and gender AND LOVE. Wolf Trap. 1-877-WOLF-
roles are challenged as women and men exchange following and leading. TRAP. wolftrap.org.
PRECEDENCE SUMMER PROGRAM.
TRIBUTE TO THE BRITISH INVASION Virginia Ballet Company and School at
August 11-August 12 Northern Virginia Community College,
Strathmore Annandale Campus. 703-249-8227.
301-581-5100 virginia balletcompany.org.
strathmore.org
Sixty of the DC area's best performers honor singers monday, august 09
and bands that forever changed America's musical COUNTING CROWS. Wolf Trap. 1-877-
landscape. Highlighting the years of 1964-1966, this WOLFTRAP. wolftrap.org.
show features hits originally performed by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Petula
Clark, The Who, The Hollies, Dusty Springfield, The Kinks, The Animals, The tuesday, august 10
Zombies, Peter and Gordon, Tom Jones and more. GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE
DESTROYERS WITH SPECIAL GUEST:
The Guide to Arts & Culture is supplied by CulturalCapital.com, a program of the Cultural Alliance of THE ROBERT CRAY BAND. Wolf Trap.
Greater Washington. JUNE WAYNE: Courtesy of National Museum of Women in the Arts, gift of the artist;
CHUCK CLOSE: Supplied by Corcoran Gallery of Art; SHARNA FABIANO: Supplied by Dance Place, 1-877-WOLFTRAP. wolftrap.org.
photo by Isaac Oboka; BRITISH INVASION: Supplied by Strathmore, photo credited to Veronika Lukasova.
ONGOING
E7: TETRAD. Transformer. transformer-
gallery.org.
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S ‘THE
MIKADO’ ON CAPITOL HILL. Capitol Hill
Arts Workshop. 202-547-6839. chaw.org.
2009 BEST OF COLLECTOR’S SHOW-
CASE EXHIBITION: RICHARD ALLNUTT.
Workhouse Arts Center. workhousearts.org.
SECOND ANNUAL JURIED PHOTO-
GRAPHIC COMPETITION EXHIBITION,
JULY 21-AUGUST 15. Workhouse Arts
Center. workhousearts.org.
STELLA MORGAN. The Keegan Theatre
at Church Street Theater. 703-892-0202.
keegantheatre.com.
COMMUNITY ART PROJECT. Corcoran
Gallery of Art. 202-639-1700. corcoran.org.
LANFORD WILSON’S SERENADING
LOUIE. The American Century Theater at
Gunston Theatre Two. 703-998-4555.
americancentury.org.
NOISES OFF. The Keegan Theatre at
Church Street Theater. 703-892-0202.
keegantheatre.com.
LIFESTRAW DEMONSTRATIONS.
National Geographic. 202-857-7588.
events.nationalgeographic.com.
LA FEMME. Arlington Artists Alliance at
Arlington County Board Offices. arling-
tonartistsalliance.org.
TAKE YOU HOME. Gallery plan b.
202-234-2711. galleryplanb com.
PLAY BALL. Arlington Artists Alliance at
Arlington YMCA. arlingtonartistsalliance.org.
HIGHLIGHTS TOUR. Corcoran Gallery of
Art. 202-397-7328. corcoran.org.
SKETCHING IN THE ATRIUM. Corcoran
Gallery of Art. 202-639-1700. corcoran.org.
CM DUPRE’S ALICE AT THE ART
LEAGUE AT NATIONAL HARBOR. The Art
League. 703-683-1780. theartleague.org.
DESIGN FOR THE OTHER 90%.
National Geographic. 202-857-7588.
events.nationalgeographic.com.
BEAT MEMORIES: THE PHOTO-
GRAPHS OF ALLEN GINSBERG.
National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
DISCOVERING THE CIVIL WAR - BEGIN-
NINGS. National Archives. archives.gov.
DA VINCI - THE GENIUS. National Geographic.
202-857-7588. events.nationalgeographic.com.
ART BY THE YARD: WOMEN DESIGN
MID-CENTURY BRITAIN. The Textile
Museum. 202 667 0441. textilemuseum.org.
JUYEON KIM: THE IN-BETWEEN. National
Museum of Women in the Arts. nmwa.org.
THE COLLABORATIVE PRINT: WORKS
FROM SOLO IMPRESSION. National
Museum of Women in the Arts. nmwa.org.
HISTORY ON FOOT: ELIZABETH
KECKLY. Ford’s Theatre. 202-347-4833.
fordstheatre.org.
EDVARD MUNCH: MASTER PRINTS.
National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
THE ART OF LIVING: TEXTILE FUR-
NISHINGS FROM THE PERMANENT
COLLECTION. The Textile Museum. 202-
667-0441. textilemuseum.org.
HISTORY ON FOOT: DETECTIVE MCDE-
VITT. Ford’s Theatre. 202-347-4833. fords.org.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.
Scena. At H Street Playhouse. 703-683-
2824. scenatheater.org.
FREE
friday, august 06
MUSIC AT TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES.
Alexandria Citizens Band at Market Square,
Alexandria. band.alexandria.va.us.
JAZZ IN THE GARDEN: BJORN SOLLI
(NORWEGIAN JAZZ GUITARIST).
National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
saturday, august 07
OPENING RECEPTION - SPECTRUM:
MEMORIES OF NATURAL FORMS &
LIGHT. Brentwood Arts Exchange.
301-277-2863. pgparks.com.
thursday, august 12
UPTOWN VOCAL JAZZ QUARTET. Reston
Community Center at Lake Anne. 703-476-
4500. restoncommunitycenter.com.

THEATERAGENDA
A gender-bending twist on ‘Earnest’
Wilde’s popular
work is side-splitting
fun at Scena
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
For a refreshingly funny take on
Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of
Being Earnest,” Scena Theatre
has tweaked the gay literary
genius’ most enduringly popular
work in ways that only add to the
good time. In addition to an
inspired stroke of reverse-gender
casting (boys play girls and girls
play boys), director Robert
McNamara intensifies Wilde’s
send-up of London society by
moving the action from the final
days of Victorian England to the
more socially rebellious 1920s.
“Earnest” follows the machi-
nations of dapper young dandies
Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff (the
versatile Sara Barker) and Jack
Worthing, played by Anne
Nottage as a sleepy-eyed aristo-
crat. While pleasure-seeking
Algy ducks out of his aunt’s
deathly dull dinner parties by
pretending to visit Bunbury, a fic-
‘The Importance of
Being Earnest’
Through Aug. 29
Scena Theatre
H Street Playhouse
1365 H Street, NE
$25-$40
scenatheatre.org
titious sick friend, his pal Jack
escapes the quiet of country liv-
ing by rushing off to assist his
imaginary profligate brother
Ernest in the city. When Algy and
Jack respectively fall in love with
young lovelies Cecily Cardew (a
hilariously bobbed and brawny
John Robert Keena) and
Gwendolyn Fairfax (a delightfully
dizzy Tyler Herman), an amusing
comedy of errors ensues.
As Algy’s gorgon aunt, Lady
Bracknell, Brian Hemmingsen
never stoops to low camp. Rather
he approaches the part of the
pompous, social arbitress with
almost unyielding seriousness,
and the results are side-splitting.
Kim Curtis is a frowzy, loopy hoot
as Cecily’s governess Miss Prism,
who famously misplaced a baby in
the cloakroom at Victoria Station.
Unfortunately, the comic romance
Photo by Ian C. Armstrong, courtesy of Scena Theatre
Boys play girls and girls play boys in this version of Oscar Wilde’s time-
less ‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.’
between Prism and the Rev.
Canon Chasuble (Stacy Whittle) is
lost in this production. Ellie Nicoll
and Mary Suib are terrific as a pair
of unflappable menservants.
The gender bending casting
accentuates the duality of
“Earnest’s” characters. Just like
Algy and Jack leading double
lives, Cecily is built more like a
linebacker than a debutante. And
despite her imperious, old guard
ways, Lady Bracknell (a part that
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 33
is often played by a man) is not
what she seems, but rather an
arriviste without fortune who mar-
ried for money and status. Here
and there, the outrageousness of
some of the casting upstages the
true star of any Wilde play — the
marvelous language. But ultimate-
ly his words are such that their
spotlight cannot be dimmed.
On a presumably limited budget,
Alisa Mandel has effectively cos-
tumed the show’s younger quartet
as London’s “Bright Young Things”
— Algy and Jack sport dapper suits
and boater hats, while Gwendolyn
and Cecily favor drop waist dresses
and cloches. Hardly a slave to flap-
per fashions, the intransient Lady
Bracknell prefers a monstrous hat
rigged with great white plumes and
a few morning doves.
Michael Stepowany’s black
and white, art nouveau set is
backed by a large movie screen
that occasionally comments with
a pithy, silent film subtitle; and
sound designer Matt Otto sup-
plies upbeat incidental music
from the Jazz Age.
“Earnest” is Wilde’s last play, the
culminating masterpiece of his fab-
ulous career. (Not long after the
play’s successful London 1895
premiere, Wilde was brought to trial
and convicted of “gross indecency”
with other men. After serving time
in prison, Wilde died broke and
alone in a Paris hotel room.)
Perfectly constructed, “Earnest” is
rife with plot turns and instances of
Wildean wit: “Relations are simply
a tedious pack of people, who
haven’t got the remotest knowl-
edge of how to live, nor the small-
est instinct about when to die.”
34 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
SOCIALAGENDA
The art show that’s also a game show
Loteria features art,
drag — and bingo
By DAVID J. HOFFMAN
Feeling lucky? Even better,
want to get lucky in love? And
want to take bingo to a whole
new iconic level, literally?
Then, come on down,
Wednesday night Aug. 11 to
“Loteria de Amor, Numero Dos.”
To the offbeat, funkadelic-bur-
lesque home of the bizarro and
alt.drag, known already to those in
the know who find their way to the
long, narrow nightclub in the heart
of the H Street, N.E., arts district,
who dare to cross through the look-
ing glass to the Palace of Wonders.
The venue where vaudeville is
very in vogue, that houses the
antics of the Cheeky Monkey,
now hosts for its second regular,
monthly incarnation “Loteria de
Amor,” the art show that’s also a
game show, in a demi-monde
splash of Mexican-style bingo, or
“lottery,” of 54 cards. This game
is never played bingo-style with
letters and numbers but always
with colorful icons.
“It’s all over L.A.,” declares Chris
Griffin, the Loteria impresario and
the game’s co-host in his self-styled
persona of “alt.dragster” Lucrezia
Blozia. A Northern Virginia native
son and local theatrical entrepre-
neur, Chris lived in Los Angeles
from 2004-2009, but his encounter
with his “inner Lucrezia” began
much earlier, in the early 1990s, in a
visit to a local theatrical props shop
where he suddenly “spotted a fuch-
sia wig,” a crazy hot-pink color that
so wowed him, he recalls, that “it all
began with the wig.”
“The wig spoke to me,” says
Chris in an interview with the
Blade. “I had never done drag
before and I wasn’t even a drag
queen fan before.” Today’s
Lucrezia has lost the wig and has
evolved into what he calls a “color-
ful punk cabaret” look.
So wait till you see Lucrezia now,
as she co-hosts the “Loteria Libre”
— and even a wrestling-style inter-
lude with “Lucha Liberace, the
Conquistadore of the Keys” — along
with her partner in crime, the inim-
itable Shortstaxx, always served up,
says Griffin, “with a side of sass.”
By now, surely you’re getting the
idea that this evening — for which
Chris Griffin (right) is the Loteria impresario and the game’s co-host in
his self-styled persona of ‘alt.dragster’ Lucrezia Blozia. Shortstaxx (left) is
his inimitable partner in crime.
doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the
“pre-show cha cha” with Lucha
Liberace begins at 8:30 and the
main event itself runs from 9-11
p.m. — will be truly twisted.
“We wanted to do something more
gay-friendly,” says Griffin, who recalls
that when discussions first began with
Palace of Wonders managers, and a
game show like bingo was first sug-
gested, that he cried out “no, not
bingo!” But he then countered with the
Loteria idea, and a new franchise was
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
begun, the first outing occurring there
on July 7, drawing a large turnout
mainly by word of mouth.
There are three or four rounds of
20-minute games, played with tradi-
tional Mexican-game styled cards,
like el sol, la luna, la mano, but also
new creations such as el nino carra
perro — or the dog-faced boy. And
all 54 of the cards have been indi-
vidually created by 54 D.C. and
Baltimore-area artists, including
numerous LGBT artists.
“It’s so visually striking, with these
images instead of numbers and let-
ters,” and players get a “tabla,” says
Griffin, like a bingo card, with 16 of
the images on it, and then the icons
begin to be called out. Meanwhile,
between games, D.C.’s own diminu-
tive dynamo, L’il Dutch, and Honi
Harlow, New York’s star of Broadway
and Harlow’s Hideaway, will twirl
their tassels, and magician David
London will astonish.
As for getting lucky in love?
Griffin swears that “we also try and
hook people up,” and he claims to
have actually done so in the first
outing of Loteria last month. All this
plus one free round of Loteria for a
$10 admission, says Griffin.
Finally, amid all the “burles-
querie” there is actually art for art’s
sake at the Loteria as well, and two
of the featured artists — Maribeth
Egan and Victoria Gaitan — will
have a mini-show exhibit with their
works available for purchase.
Griffin is also well known locally
as founder of the Eva Brontosaurus
drag troupe, featuring both Lucrezia
and Shortstaxx. He is also a writer
and executive producer of the Hope
Operas, which will return to the
local stage in October.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 35

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LEGAL NOTICE
SUPERIOR COURT OF
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PROBATE DIVISION 2010 ADM 723
John Howard Marcantel, Name of Decedent
Glen H. Ackerman
1250 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors
and Notice to Unknown Heirs
Jeffrey Paige, whose address is 1418 Nicholson St
NW, Washington, DC 20011 was appointed Personal
Representative of the estate of John Howard
Marcantel who died on February 15, 2010 without a
Will and will serve without Court supervision. All
unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are
unknown shall enter their appearance in this pro-
ceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be
filed with the Register of wills, DC., 515 5th St, NW,
3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001, on or before
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P.S. our lubes, DVDs & gear cheaper than online.
PETS & SUPPLIES
ADOPT AN ADORABLE PUPPY OR DOG All-breed,
non-profit rescue. 100% volunteer run. Donations wel-
come & needed. www.aforeverhome.org.
BEAUTIFUL SHIH-TZU PUPPIES! AKC reg.
Shots. Born on June 13th (Capitol Pride Day).
4 Males, $550/ea. 1 Female $600. Call
(240) 388-7201. Pics & videos avail.
PET SERVICES
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HORSE BOARDING
- Full service. No hidden add on fees. Stall
Board/Field Board. Indoor/Outdoor/Round Pen/
Riding Lanes. Gay Owned and operated.
Boarding/Lessons/Training. Fully accredited/
Liscensed/Insured. Email for further informa-
tion. Horsedudemd@hotmail.com
MOVING
John Henry Movers Since 1990, the area's
favorite gay owned crew. Expert packing, pianos.
Experienced, equipped & punctual as hell.
Cheapskates love us! 703-597-5561
GULLIVER'S MOVERS - Swift & gentle reloca-
tion's. Packing, pianos, antiques. Local & long dis-
tance 202-483-9579 www.gulliversmovers.com
CLEANING
TOO NEAT GUYS INC. Residential & commercial
cleaning in DC & Northern VA. Over 12 years
experience, gay owned, licensed, bonded &
insured (703) 622-5983.
POWER CLEANERS, LLC. Experienced, depend-
able service seven days a week. Gay owned and oper-
ated. Call Matt for free estimates at 202-352-0739 or
visit www.powercleaningdc.com
A CLEANING SERVICE invites you to relax
while our team of experienced, dependable &
friendly professionals provides top-quality
cleaning service to your home or office.
Excellent refs, satisfaction guaranteed.
Licensed, bonded & insured. Reasonable rates.
Call today for a free estimate. (703) 892-8648.
www.acleaningserviceinc.com
FERNANDO’S CLEANING: Residential &
Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free
Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out.
(202) 234-7050, 202-486-6183.
 august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 37

bladeclassifieds
CLEANING
MAID TO CLEAN. Rated #1 in Metro DC. Gay
owned. Serving DC/VA/MD. DC (202) 297-2967,
VA (703) 299-0101. MD (301) 672-4331. Visit
www.maidtoclean.com
Cleaning Service. Maisonpropre@ymail.com.
Specializes in daily, weekly and monthly; DC and
Northern VA cleaning.
CRAFTSMAN with OVER 30 YEARS EXPERI-
ENCE as a British Master Carpenter. Our
company adheres to the highest industry stan-
dards & practices. Murphy & Maguire, LLC.
Call Kevin Maguire (202) 492-8738. www.mur-
phymaguire.com
NEARBY GETAWAYS
REHOBOTH RENTALS - We have daily and weekly
vacation rental cottages. We have a location
approx. 8 blocks to beach. Rooms closer to beach
avail. bayroad15@aol.com or (302) 227-5528.
MENS CLOTHING OPTIONAL RETREAT near
Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown WV on 48 seclud-
ed acres. Efficiency appt weekly/monthly rates avail-
able. Visit us at www.sycamorehouse.us
BELTSVILLE SPLIT LEVEL $275,000
Sparkling Spotless! Full Party Room Basement!
3 Bedrooms + 2 Baths!
LARRY PERRIN, Realtor
301.983.0601 LJPerrin@aol.com
RENT/VA
Walk to Metro in Alexandria! 2BR, 2 BA luxury
condos for rent, starting at $2100 per month
including parking & storage. Just pay electric.
Walk to 2 Metros, movies, restaurants and shops.
Enjoy 2 gyms, pool, tennis, 24-hr security and
more. www.brendastone.com or Brenda Stone,
Keller Williams, 703-739-4663.
OLD TOWN, FAIRFAX... “Immaculate Apartment for
Rent!” 1700 sq. ft 2 BR, 2 BA, STUNNING, fully fur-
nished condo for rent. Complete kitchen, beds, linens,
towels, TVs & even original artwork on the walls.
Underground parking & a small balcony. Nothing to
bring but your clothes! Please Call (703) 606-6644.
SHARE/VA
Manassas VA Male-nonsmoker, rent room/share
house, full privileges, Directv, W/D, Utilities includ-
ed. Available immediately $550 703-969-8521
joeylambda@verizon.net
Looking to advertise
in bladeclassifieds?
Contact
Phil Rockstroh at
prockstroh@washblade.com

TREE CARE REAL ESTATE

Branches Tree Experts has certified arborists
with experience in Spraying, Fertilizing, Tree
Pruning, Root Pruning, Construction Damage,
Storm Damage, Stump Grinding, Tree Protection
Plans, Planting and Consulting. 301-589-6181,
Expert Tree Care Service Since 1988,
www.BranchesTreeExperts.com
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
www.GayRealEstate.com
Free On-Line Directory of the Top Gay &
Lesbian Realtors in Washington D.C.,
Maryland, Virginia & the Nation Instantly on-
line at www.GayRealEstate.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT
CROWN MOULDINGS & CHAIR RAILS - All
facets of interior trim, specializing in crown mould-
ing, chair rails & custom moulding fabrication.
Call Matt 571-238-8366.
SALE/DC
Bold, glamorous two level condo of 1,340 sq. ft.
Newly built in 2006. Two master suites. Open liv-
ing area w/gourmet kitchen. 35A Rhode Island
Ave NW $369K Call Joel Martin 202-274-1882
RE/MAX Allegiance or jn1martin@aol.com

FURNISHED HOUSING/DC

WASHINGTON DC FURNISHED HOUSING APART-

MENTS & LODGING. 1 to 3 blocks to US Capitol
grounds, Supreme Court, LOC. (202) 544-4419.
Veteran owned small business www.capitolhillstay.com

SHARE/DC
CLOSETS, JC CLOSETS, INC. Serving DC, MD CAPITOL HILL 14TH & F STS, NE, Unfurnished
& VA for over 8 years. We design & customize: BR for rent $500 monthly + utilities + deposit.
closets, offices, laundry, garage, pantry and do Thomas 202-397-7132.
any type of space organization for homes & busi-
nesses. Call or emailto schedule your FREE con-
sultation today!!! (301) 455-6677 or (703) 798- SALE/MD
4488. DB.JcCloset@gmail.com

TIRED OF THAT DAMN DOOR? Specializing in

older doors, repairing, modifying, weatherstrip,
thresholds, deadbolts and doorknobs. Call Matt
571-238-8366.

ROOFING CONTRACTOR
REPAIRS • NEW ROOFS • GUTTER CLEANING
Sheet Metal Certified Applications
Roofing of General Tire &
Slate Tile Firestone Products Silver Spring $459,000 Charming home
Gutters EPDM renovated from top to bottom, finished to the
Skylights Tin nines & with all the bells and whistles. Call
Cedar Shake Copper Tom 301.996.9634
Shingles Built In Gutter
Chimney Restoration Roof Inspections
HISTORIC MOUNT RAINIER
P.J. McTavish & Co., Inc. 2-3-4 Bedroom Homes! Great
Licensed • Bonded • Insured Condition! $199,999 - $329,900
301-476-8551 Handy-Dandy House needs Major
EMERGENCY REPAIRS – 24 HOUR SERVICE Renovation $169,995
Serving the community for over 20 years!
BBB · Washington Checkbook · Angie’s List LARRY PERRIN, Realtor
NRCA · NSA · Energy Star Rated System 301.983.0601 LJPerrin@aol.com
38 washingtonblade.com • august 6, 2010
exotic
Incalls or
outcalls
Discretion assured
For an extraordinary, tender, personal
experience with a masculine man
call 202-495-1091
Beau knows what feels good!
More info at
DCBeau.blogspot.com
WHEN QUALITY COUNTS Male/TV/TS, 202-
487-3660, www.tops69.com
SENSUOUS BOD 2 BOD Friendly, creative, erot-
ic massage…Your willing body, for a toe curling
experience! Chad (202) 329-7097
THAI-AMERICAN – NUDE BODY MASSAGE, 27
yrs., 5'8", 150 lbs., friendly, handsome, smooth,
nice body. In (Alexandria VA)/out 10AM - 10PM
Call Robert (703) 655-2130
Liberate your Libido! Hi I’m Erik, nationally certi-
fied, Irish/Italian US Navy Swimmer/Gymnast, offer-
ing exceptional deep tissue/sensual bodywork for
total stress relief. Private studio. (shower, Metro 2.5
blocks, parking) Call 202-544-7905. In calls only.
BOYISH CUTE LATINO 19 yo very smooth slen-
der bottom. ALSO: MICHELANGELO BODY + Ivy
League brain, 6'2 195# 46ch 34w, toned tanned
smooth. In/outcalls. (571) 255-0584
GREAT MASSEUR in DC. 24/7 to make appts.
6.0 tall 180 lbs. mix latin.
Call me at (202) 413-5952 CESAR
ALL-AMERICAN BOY 24y/o, 5'9, 138lbs, 29w.
Very cute & clean-cut, w/a smooth lean build.
Affectionate & versatile, loves older guys.
HotDCkid@gmail.com 202-365-9065
HAIRY, HANDSOME, MASCULINE ENDOWED
BODYBUILDER! CALL (202) 714-3030
EROTIC SENSUAL MASSAGE 30 yo, 5'5", 170
lbs, 8.5", clean, versatile top. Call Robert any-
time, 703-587-2261.
M4M Escorts & Nude Housekeepers available
now. Various men to choose from. Serving
MD-VA-DC. Reasonable rates. Eroticasy, Inc.
(240)605-2912 www.eroticasyinc.com
BODYWORK
DAVID EROTIC MASSAGE by certified therapist.
Deep tissue also available. On table. Handsome
man with class. Thank you for your repeat busi-
ness. Days & evenings. Easy parking or metro.
Call 202-421-8900.
MALE MASSAGE by 32 yo, 5’ 9”, 165 lbs,
Hot Latino with a special touch. Offering
full body release in a private atmosphere.
In/out. Parking Available, hotels welcome,
Silver Spring/DC area, 24/7. 240-462-8669
MASSAGE SILVER SPRING Spanish/Irish,
160 lbs, 5'10" great shape, beach tan, strong
soothing hands. Full-body erotic experience,
masculine energy. Stress release. Comfortable
studio, private home. $70/hr. Days/evenings,
metro. BRUNO (301) 580-2716.
bodi contac two and four hand massage all day
and early evenings call kit 240 604 3843
Swedish Deep tissue with a sensual touch by
well trained athletic masseur, my work is perfect
for stressed professionals or for someone who
just needs to feel cared for. Clean quiet well locat-
ed studio. 80 for 1 hour and 100 for 1.5 hours. 202
441 0180 - www.massagem4m.com/jeffeusa
ADULT
Stressed Out? Relax your body, mind and spirit
with strong,skilled & caring hands.
Give it a try! No calls after 10 PM! Call Manuel at
202-251-1652, Bodywork202@hotmail.com
"SATISFACTION GUARANTEED"
BLONDE GI 6’0”, 165LBS Good looking, athlet-
ic, well-endowed. Sensual Massage & More. Eli
(703) 599-2668.
Meet HOT Local Guys!
Call 202-216-0011 or
703-538-1700 or 410-653-6900
or 301-591-0330
Use ad Code 7777. 18+
Get him on the line!
BEAR HUNTING Strong sensual paws for your Try free with code 4617
willing body. Tom (202) 289-7367. Call 202-448-0112
InteractiveMale.com
Erotic Swedish Massage - healthy clean
cut guy, 6'1", 160lbs, Dupont Circle, mas- Visit blade classifieds @
sage table, noon to 1:00 a.m., indulge your
body. Bill 202-728-0238
washingtonblade.com
august 6, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 39